Banihal Bypass completed, opened for one-way traffic

Banihal/ Ramban, Jan 5: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed work on the 2.35 km four-lane Banihal Bypass, a key component of the Ramban–Banihal section of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

The bypass was opened for one-way traffic on Sunday, allowing vehicles travelling from Jammu to Srinagar to bypass the congested Banihal town.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the project’s completion on microblogging platform ‘X’.

In his post, Gadkari said, “In Jammu and Kashmir, we have successfully completed a 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town at a cost of Rs 224.44 crore. Strategically located on the Ramban–Banihal section of the NH-44, the bypass features 4 viaducts spanning 1513 meters and 3 culverts, effectively addressing the persistent bottleneck caused by roadside markets and shops.”

Inauguration Ceremony

The bypass was officially opened for one-way traffic in the presence of MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Banihal, NHAI engineers, and other local officials.

Shaheen flagged off the first vehicles on the new route, marking the culmination of nearly four years of work.

Project head Kumar Jainendra thanked locals for their cooperation despite challenges, saying, “This bypass will not only reduce the long-standing traffic congestion in Banihal town but also enhance travel efficiency on this critical section of NH-44.”

Delays and Challenges

The construction of the Banihal Bypass began in January 2021 and was originally scheduled for completion by December 2023.

However, the project faced delays due to various reasons, including land acquisition disputes and logistical challenges.

The bypass project was initially awarded to RAMKI Construction Company over a decade ago but was stalled, leading to the blacklisting of the company by NHAI.

Subsequently, the contract was re-awarded to MG Construction Pvt Ltd, which sublet the work to Rashid Beigh Construction Company (RBCC) Banihal.

Despite these hurdles, RBCC successfully completed the bypass.

Key Features of the Bypass

The 2.35 km bypass, built at a cost of Rs 224.44 crore, starts from Kharpora and ends near the Navayuga Tunnel, bypassing the bustling Banihal town.

It includes four viaducts spanning 1513 meters and three culverts and has a design that reduces congestion on the old alignment of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

Union Minister Gadkari emphasised the Banihal Bypass’ significance, calling it a “transformative project” that contributes to economic growth and bolsters Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a premier tourist destination.

Upcoming Official Inauguration

While the bypass has been opened for one-way traffic, the official inauguration ceremony will take place in 10-15 days following the completion of junction works on both ends of the bypass.

This development marks another milestone in the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway project, promising smoother connectivity and enhanced infrastructure for the region.