Tunnels Rise, Viaducts Take Shape as NH-44 Four-Laning Picks Up Pace in Ramban
Ramban, Mar 1, KNT: Massive construction activity is underway along the Nashri to Banihal stretch of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway as the ambitious four-laning project steadily reshapes one of the most critical road corridors in Jammu and Kashmir.
Heavy machinery, drilling units and engineering teams are working simultaneously at multiple points between Ramban and Banihal, where tunnels are being carved through mountains and towering viaducts are rising across deep gorges. The project is aimed at providing safer and all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
At the Digdol section, work inside the tunnels continues round the clock, while at Magarkote, Gangroo, Nachilana and Kishtwari Pather, large viaduct structures are taking visible shape. Engineers are pushing to complete structural works within scheduled timelines to minimise disruptions on the existing highway.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan inspected the stretch to review progress and assess safety arrangements. He was accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta and officers of the district administration along with representatives of National Highways Authority of India.
Particular attention is being given to vulnerable spots historically prone to landslides and shooting stones. Protection works including retaining walls, breast walls, improved drainage networks and crash barriers are being strengthened to reduce risks during heavy rainfall and adverse weather.
In Ramban town, parallel works are in progress to improve drainage systems aimed at mitigating flood and erosion threats that frequently affect the highway and adjoining habitations.
Officials indicated that the focus remains on accelerating tunnel and viaduct construction while simultaneously enhancing slope stabilization measures to ensure long-term safety for commuters once the four-laning project is completed.
The Nashri–Banihal corridor remains one of the most challenging yet strategically vital sections of NH-44, and its transformation is expected to significantly ease travel time and improve reliability of road connectivity between the two regions. [KNT]
