+
Centre Clears Upgrade Of Srinagar–Qazigund Alternative Highway
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Centre Clears Upgrade Of Srinagar–Qazigund Alternative Highway

The Union Government has set in motion plans to widen and modernise the 63-kilometre Srinagar–Qazigund road (NH-444), creating a strategic alternative to the often-choked NH-44 between south and central Kashmir. As part of the initiative the Centre has sanctioned Rs 0.95 billion for a new Qazigund bypass that will connect the route to the old Banihal–Qazigund highway; construction is due to begin once funds are released.

According to Chief Engineer (Roads & Buildings) Kashmir Sajad Naqeeb, a detailed project report for NH-444 will shortly be lodged with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Starting at Barzulla in Srinagar, the upgraded road will include an elevated corridor skirting Humhama Airport, Ompora and Chadoora before running through Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam to Qazigund. The new bypass will be the fourth on the alignment, joining works already under way at Pulwama (4.75 km), Shopian (8.95 km) and Kulgam (8.7 km).

Once complete, NH-444 is expected to deliver safer, smoother travel, particularly in winter when NH-44 is prone to closure, while giving a fillip to the local economy. Apple growers in Shopian—the ‘apple bowl of the Valley’—should gain from quicker access to market, and officials say the wider project will greatly strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s transport resilience.


The Union Government has set in motion plans to widen and modernise the 63-kilometre Srinagar–Qazigund road (NH-444), creating a strategic alternative to the often-choked NH-44 between south and central Kashmir. As part of the initiative the Centre has sanctioned Rs 0.95 billion for a new Qazigund bypass that will connect the route to the old Banihal–Qazigund highway; construction is due to begin once funds are released.According to Chief Engineer (Roads & Buildings) Kashmir Sajad Naqeeb, a detailed project report for NH-444 will shortly be lodged with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Starting at Barzulla in Srinagar, the upgraded road will include an elevated corridor skirting Humhama Airport, Ompora and Chadoora before running through Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam to Qazigund. The new bypass will be the fourth on the alignment, joining works already under way at Pulwama (4.75 km), Shopian (8.95 km) and Kulgam (8.7 km).Once complete, NH-444 is expected to deliver safer, smoother travel, particularly in winter when NH-44 is prone to closure, while giving a fillip to the local economy. Apple growers in Shopian—the ‘apple bowl of the Valley’—should gain from quicker access to market, and officials say the wider project will greatly strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s transport resilience.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Continental Expands Assistive ‘OnBoard’ Tech to 100+ BMTC Buses

Continental India, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Raised Lines Foundation, and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), has expanded its smart assistive mobility solution ‘OnBoard’ across more than 100 BMTC buses in Bengaluru. Initially piloted on 25 buses, the solution is now set to be installed in 500 buses by year-end.The expansion was officially announced at the BMTC Central Office during a press conference attended by Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Transport Minister of Karnataka.‘OnBoard’ is a bus-mounted assistive technology designed t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Himadri PAT Rises 48% in Q1 Amid Global Battery Push

Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd reported its highest-ever quarterly EBITDA of Rs 234 crore and PAT of Rs 183 crore for Q1 FY26, with profitability up 48% YoY. Revenue stood at Rs 1,100 crore.CMD Anurag Choudhary attributed the gains to operational efficiencies, improved yields, and focus on high-value battery materials. Himadri also revived Birla Tyres with a new brand identity and plans a multi-platform marketing campaign.The firm signed a licensing deal with Australia’s Sicona for SiCx® anode tech, enabling localisation and commercialisation in India. Himadri also invested USD 4.43 millio..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Covestro Develops Fire-Safe Foam for EV Battery Safety

Covestro has introduced Baysafe® BEF, a new flame-retardant polyurethane foam designed to enhance battery safety in EVs and energy storage systems. The foam minimises thermal propagation between cells, reducing fire risk.The launch aligns with China’s GB 38031-2025 battery regulation, effective from July 2026, which sets stringent safety standards. "This innovation represents a significant step toward enabling sustainable mobility through enhanced safety," said Akhil Singhania, Global Head of PU Specialties at Covestro.The foam's lightweight structure and fire resistance meet the needs of g..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?