The first phase of the Srinagar Ring Road is targeted to become motorable by the end of December 2026, with the administration stating that no land acquisition or utility-related impediment remains on the 46-km Galandar-Narbal stretch. Work is being expedited in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other agencies.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg reviewed progress during an on-ground inspection involving the divisional administration, NHAI, traffic authorities and engineering departments. The inspection covered efforts to identify bottlenecks and resolve issues affecting completion within the stipulated timeline.

Garg was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama and Budgam, the NHAI project director, the Superintendent of Police Traffic Rural, engineers from the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation, Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation (KPTCL), the Public Health Engineering department, Roads and Buildings and Irrigation and Flood Control departments. Forest officers, contractors and an NHAI adviser also participated.

Officials reviewed transmission-tower shifting and height clearance, underpass construction, connections to artillery roads and other infrastructure components. The administration has completed work related to land compensation and utility shifting, while constraints involving existing transmission towers are being addressed. KPTCL was directed to erect new towers in parallel to minimise power shutdowns, and the workforce is to be increased to maintain progress. The NHAI project director was also instructed to prioritise bridge load testing with the National Institute of Technology.

Project authorities reported completion of 143 culverts, 23 minor bridges, three major bridges, 18 light vehicular underpasses, two flyover-cum-interchanges, six overpasses, 12 syphons and 107 HPCs. The corridor will link Pulwama with Narbal and provide an alternative route between south and north Kashmir, including connections towards Gulmarg, Baramulla, Bandipora and Sonamarg. Phase-I will eventually connect with the planned second phase towards Ganderbal and Pandach, while proposals for links to Srinagar airport and the National Institute of Fashion Technology are also being examined.