Secretary, Roads and Buildings (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar, conducted an extensive tour of Ramban to assess maintenance work on NH-44, with a particular focus on preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024.
During his visit, Kumar reviewed the ongoing construction work on the Nashri to Ramban and Ramban to Banihal sections of the NH-44 four-laning project. The tour was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, SSP Traffic NHW Ramban, Rohit Baskotra, ADC Varunjeet Singh Charak, Additional SP Gourav Mahajan, PD NHAI Porshotam Singh, and other officials.
The Secretary directed the executing agency to prioritize the proper maintenance of NH-44 to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for Yatris, tourists, and other commuters. He emphasized the need to expedite progress on the Nashri to Banihal stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway four-laning project, highlighting its status as a prestigious national undertaking.
Deputy Commissioner Chaudhary presented a detailed briefing, underscoring the district administration’s unwavering commitment to the effective execution of the NH-44 four-laning initiative.
During the tour, Kumar also reviewed the functioning of various tunnels between Ramban and Banihal. He received updates on ongoing construction activities at critical locations such as Nashri, Dalwas, Mehad, Cafeteria Morh, Panthial, and the viaduct bypassing Banihal Bazar. He directed the officers to ensure the completion of these works within the prescribed timelines.Emphasizing the importance of enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, Kumar assured that there would be a focused effort to complete the 32 km stretch between Ramban and Banihal at the earliest.