Infra will aid Amarnath Yatra: LG Sinha
Srinagar, July 1: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday announced the completion of two major infrastructure projects on National Highway-44 in Jammu and Kashmir that will bypass a landslide-prone stretch of the Ramban-Banihal section and provide safer, faster and all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
The projects comprise an 810-metre-long viaduct near Ramsoo in Ramban district and the 3.5-km AT-03 tunnel connecting Digdole to Panthyal. The two structures are scheduled to be opened for traffic on July 3, 2026.
Announcing the development in a post on X, Gadkari described the projects as “engineering marvels” that bypass one of the most landslide-prone stretches of the Ramban-Banihal section, ensuring safer, faster and all-weather connectivity to the Valley.
He said the new infrastructure would reduce travel time, improve road safety and facilitate seamless year-round movement of tourists, local commuters, defence vehicles, freight traffic and essential supplies.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for the completion of the two projects, describing them as another milestone in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s road infrastructure.
In a statement, the Lieutenant Governor said the Centre had transformed J&K’s highways and road connectivity, and termed the completion of the Ramsoo viaduct and the Digdole-Panthyal tunnel “yet another monumental feat.”
He said the key infrastructure would ensure smooth and all-weather movement of local residents, tourists, freight traffic and security forces while providing a safer and seamless journey for pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 by bypassing landslide-prone stretches of NH-44.
