The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is undertaking the construction of a 2.200-kilometer-long Dhalwas NH44 flyover, costing Rs 371 crore, to bypass the sinking stretch in Ramban. The flyover aims to address the persistent sinking area caused by a massive landslide in Dhalwas on March 28, 2020. The landslide damaged 37 houses and about 400 Kanal land, affecting a significant stretch of NH44 and leading to ongoing traffic disruptions.
Purshottam Kumar Phonsa, Project Director at NHAI, highlighted the strengthening measures, such as rock bolting and coir matting, that are being implemented on the sliding hill slope above NH44. The flyover project is expected to be completed in August 2024, promising smoother and trouble-free traffic movement in the sector. Drivers, commuters, traders, and locals have been concerned about the sinking stretch, which has resulted in intermittent road closures and traffic disruptions between Jammu and Srinagar.
Additionally, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced the completion of the 1.08-kilometer-long, four-lane Ramban viaduct on the Udhampur-Ramban section of National Highway 44, costing Rs 328 crore. Gadkari emphasized the government’s commitment to providing quality infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing regional economic prosperity and tourism appeal.