Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the successful completion of the construction of the Ramban Viaduct on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Jammu division. The viaduct spans 1.08 kilometers and consists of two lanes, with a total cost of Rs 1.4 billion. Gadkari shared this achievement through a tweet.According to Gadkari, the Ramban Viaduct is situated on the Udhampur-Ramban section of National Highway-44 in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition to this viaduct, another two-lane structure running parallel to it is nearing completion and will be opened soon.The construction of the Ramban Viaduct, which consists of 26 spans, incorporates various structural arrangements using concrete and steel girders. It serves two primary purposes: relieving congestion in Ramban Bazaar for smoother vehicle movement and facilitating seamless passage for vehicles and pilgrim traffic during the annual Amarnath Yatra on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.Gadkari expressed his unwavering commitment, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to provide exceptional highway infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that this transformative development not only contributes to the region's economic growth but also enhances its appeal as a premier tourist destination.Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitin Gadkari for the unprecedented development of highways and road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Sinha tweeted that the completion of projects at an extraordinary speed is leading Jammu and Kashmir towards socio-economic development, thanks to the leadership of PM Modi.The Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways has been actively involved in the construction of various National Highways in Jammu and Kashmir, including the remaining parts of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which are expected to be completed soon. The central and UT governments have repeatedly stated that travel time on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will be reduced to around four hours upon completion of the work.The ongoing sixty-two-day annual pilgrimage of the Amarnath cave shrine started on July 1 and will continue until August 31. The pilgrim convoys have been smoothly crossing the highway with no major hurdles in the past three days. Authorities have made necessary arrangements to ensure smooth traffic flow, especially on the Ramban-Banihal stretch, during the monsoon season.Recently, Gadkari also announced the completion of the two-lane cantilever Jaiswal Bridge over Chenab on the Udhampur-Ramban section of NH-44, aimed at alleviating congestion and facilitating the smooth Amarnath Yatra. This meticulously designed balanced cantilever bridge spans 118 meters and was built at a cost of Rs 200 million.The Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways has undertaken the construction of highways and tunnels worth over Rs one lakh crore in Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating a significant investment in the region's infrastructure.