SRINAGAR: The Union Minister for Transport, Nitin Gadkari, has revealed that a state-of-the-art 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass in Banihal town, part of the Ramban–Banihal stretch of National Highway 44, will be fully operational for 4-lane traffic within two weeks.
In Jammu & Kashmir, we have successfully completed a 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town at an cost of ₹224.44 crore. Strategically located on the Ramban–Banihal section of NH-44, the bypass features 4 viaducts spanning 1,513 meters and 3 culverts, effectively addressing the… pic.twitter.com/QdWZWeerws
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 5, 2025
Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), Gadkari stated, “A 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town in Jammu & Kashmir has been completed at an investment of ₹224.44 crore. The bypass, located strategically on the Ramban–Banihal section, incorporates 4 viaducts covering 1,513 meters and 3 culverts. It tackles long-standing traffic snarls caused by roadside markets.”
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Initially, 2-lane traffic will be opened, while full 4-lane access will follow post-junction enhancements within 15 days. The new bypass is expected to decongest traffic, slashing travel time and boosting smooth movement for tourists and defense convoys heading to the Kashmir Valley.