The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has successfully completed a major infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir, unveiling a four-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town, costing Rs 2.24 billion. Situated on the Ramban-Banihal stretch of NH-44, this section was previously known for severe traffic congestion due to roadside markets and shops. The new bypass is anticipated to provide substantial relief to commuters, improve regional connectivity, and support national security logistics. Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, shared the completion of the project on social media, emphasizing that the bypass includes four viaducts extending 1,513 metres and three culverts. He mentioned that this vital infrastructure would ensure smooth traffic flow, greatly reduce travel time, and ease congestion for both tourists and defence vehicles traveling to the Kashmir Valley. Gadkari also stated that beyond improving connectivity, the bypass would strengthen national security logistics and enhance the region’s tourism potential. Initially, two-lane traffic will be operational, with the full four-lane traffic expected to begin in approximately 15 days after the junction development near the Banihal railway station. The bypass, which spans from Kharpora to the Navayuga Tunnel, is designed to bypass the congested Banihal town entirely, reducing travel time between Kharpora and the tunnel to just seven minutes. Although the project began in January 2021, it faced a year-long delay due to unforeseen circumstances, and was ultimately completed in January 2025. This bypass is part of a larger Rs 160-billion project to four-lane the Jammu-Srinagar highway, an all-weather road intended to reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar and improve accessibility through the challenging terrain of Ramban and Banihal. The initiative includes 10 tunnels covering 21.5 kilometres, along with numerous viaducts and bridges. PK Phonsa, the Project Director for the Ramban Sector, informed reporters that the completion of the bypass is a significant step in reducing traffic congestion in Banihal town. He also mentioned that the Ramban bypass, another vital section of the highway, has already been finished. This development is critical not only for cutting travel times but also for ensuring the rapid movement of security forces and defence equipment, which is strategically vital for the region. Additionally, it is expected to foster economic growth by improving the transportation of goods and enhancing access to healthcare and education. The project will also provide significant benefits to the region’s tourism industry, elevating Kashmir’s profile as a top tourist destination.