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Banihal Bypass Open: Key Highlights of the 4-Lane Highway in J&K
Context:
The newly constructed 2.35-kilometer Banihal Bypass is set to open shortly this month , promising significant improvements in connectivity and traffic flow in Jammu and Kashmir. This bypass is a critical component of the ongoing Jammu-Srinagar National Highway four-laning project, aimed at creating an all-weather route and reducing travel time.
Strategic Importance:
- Location: Connects Kharpora to the Navayuga Tunnel, bypassing congested Banihal town.
- The Banihal Bypass would be a 2.35-kilometer route that connects these two points, running to the east of the congested Banihal town.
- The Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44 would be visible as the larger highway running through the region, with key roads and natural landmarks such as valleys and rivers.
- Key Features: Includes four viaducts (1,513 meters) and three culverts to address traffic bottlenecks caused by roadside shops and markets.
- Travel Efficiency: Reduces travel time between Kharpora and the Navayuga Tunnel to just seven minutes.
- Security and Tourism: Enhances logistics for defense vehicles and boosts tourism in the Kashmir Valley.
Complementary Projects:
- Srinagar Semi Ring Road:
- A ₹2,919-crore project to reduce traffic congestion across five districts—Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Ganderbal.
- Features include 300 culverts, two flyovers, and flood-minimizing measures.
- Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri Highway Upgradation:
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- Approved in 2022 with a budget of ₹823.45 crore, focusing on bypasses and flyovers for better traffic flow.
Development and Cost:
- Completed at a cost of ₹224.44 crore, this project is part of the Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44.
Jammu-Srinagar Highway Four-Laning Project: Project Scope: A ₹16,000-crore initiative to upgrade the 290-km Jammu-Srinagar highway into a four-lane, all-weather road.
- Challenges Addressed:
- Includes 10 tunnels covering 21.5 kilometers and multiple viaducts to traverse difficult terrain.
- Addresses accident-prone zones and road damage in the Ramban district, especially between Marog and Khuni-Nallah.
- Impact:
- Reduces travel time between Jammu and Srinagar from nine hours to six hours.
- Facilitates smoother trade, tourism, and access to healthcare and education.
Economic and Social Impact of the Project:
- Economic Growth: Improved road connectivity fosters regional trade, tourism, and economic activities.
- Enhanced Mobility: Residents and tourists benefit from reduced travel times and seamless connectivity.
- Infrastructure Development: Symbolizes the combined efforts of past and present governments toward regional progress.
Inauguration and Naming Proposals:
- Proposed Names:
- Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel as Dr. Manmohan Singh Tunnel to honour his role in initiating the project.
- Banihal Bypass Bridge as Sher-e-Kashmir Bridge, commemorating Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s contributions.
- Future Prospects: The Banihal Bypass and the broader highway project are milestones in Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure development, improving connectivity, boosting national security logistics, and opening new avenues for tourism and trade.
