Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced the completion of two major infrastructure projects on National Highway-44 (NH-44) in Jammu and Kashmir—an 810-metre viaduct near Ramsoo in Ramban district and the 3.5-km AT-03 tunnel connecting Digdole and Panthyal. The projects are set to significantly improve all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley by bypassing one of the highway’s most landslide-prone stretches.
Sharing the update, Gadkari said the newly completed structures are engineering milestones that will provide safer, faster, and uninterrupted connectivity on the strategically important Ramban–Banihal section of NH-44. The upgraded alignment is expected to reduce travel time, enhance road safety, and ensure the seamless movement of tourists, local commuters, defence vehicles, freight, and essential supplies throughout the year.
The viaduct and tunnel have been constructed to bypass a section of the highway that is frequently affected by landslides and adverse weather conditions, which often disrupt traffic between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley. By avoiding these vulnerable stretches, the new infrastructure is expected to improve the reliability of one of India’s most critical transport corridors.
According to reports, the two projects, developed at an estimated cost of around ₹680 crore, are scheduled to be opened to vehicular traffic on July 3, ahead of the commencement of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026. Their operationalisation is expected to facilitate smoother movement of pilgrims while strengthening logistics and emergency response capabilities in the region.
The completion of these projects forms part of the Centre’s broader strategy to modernise road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir through the construction of tunnels, viaducts, and all-weather highways. These investments are aimed at improving regional connectivity, supporting tourism and economic development, and ensuring uninterrupted access to the Kashmir Valley throughout the year.
