Banihal Bypass Thrown Open: A Milestone Achievement on NH44 by NHAI

Banihal,Jan 5, 2025: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) marked a significant milestone on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) with the completion and partial opening of the much-anticipated Banihal Bypass. This bypass, which has been under construction for nearly four years, aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Banihal town, a longstanding issue for commuters on this critical route.

The development was officially announced by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. Following his approval, one tube of the bypass was opened for traffic moving from Jammu to Srinagar.

In Jammu & Kashmir, we have successfully completed a 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town at an cost of ₹224.44 crore. Strategically located on the Ramban–Banihal section of NH-44, the bypass features 4 viaducts spanning 1,513 meters and 3 culverts, effectively addressing the… pic.twitter.com/QdWZWeerws

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 5, 2025

Project Overview and Significance

The Banihal Bypass, spanning 2.2 kilometers and costing approximately ₹225 crore, has been designed to streamline traffic flow by completely bypassing Banihal town. According to Kumar Jainendra, the project head from NHAI, this infrastructure upgrade is expected to significantly reduce the long traffic jams that have plagued the region for years.

Speaking at the inauguration, Jainendra said, “We are delighted to announce the completion of the Banihal Bypass. Traffic on one tube has been allowed after obtaining permission from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. This project would not have been possible without the unconditional support and cooperation of the local community.”

The event saw the presence of key dignitaries, including MLA Banihal Haji Sajjad Shaheen, project head Kumar Jainendra, PM MGCPL Jasmeet Singh, as well as officials and engineers from NHAI, traffic, police, and the Banihal subdivision administration.

History of the Project

The journey of the Banihal Bypass project has been a challenging one. Initially, the contract was awarded to RAMKI Construction Company nearly 15 years ago. However, the company failed to commence work, leading to its blacklisting by NHAI.

In 2019, after a fresh tendering process, the project was reassigned to MG Construction Company Pvt Ltd. Subsequently, the work was sublet to Rashid Beigh Construction Company (RBCC), a Banihal-based contractor. Despite facing several hurdles, including disputes with local landowners, RBCC successfully completed the project, ensuring its readiness for public use.

Benefits of the Banihal Bypass

The opening of the Banihal Bypass is expected to deliver numerous benefits:

• Reduced Traffic Congestion: By diverting vehicles away from Banihal town, the bypass will significantly ease traffic flow, particularly during peak hours.
• Enhanced Travel Experience: Travelers on NH44 will experience shorter commute times and a smoother journey.
• Economic Boost: The improved connectivity is likely to foster economic growth in the region by facilitating trade and tourism.
• Safety Improvements: With a dedicated bypass, the risks associated with traffic bottlenecks and accidents in the town area are expected to decrease.

Challenges Overcome

Despite its eventual success, the Banihal Bypass project faced several obstacles. Land acquisition issues, disputes with local stakeholders, and logistical challenges posed significant delays. However, the perseverance of NHAI and the dedication of the contractors played a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges.

Future Prospects

With one tube of the bypass now operational, work is underway to fully complete the remaining infrastructure. Once fully functional, the Banihal Bypass will further enhance the strategic Jammu-Srinagar highway, which serves as a lifeline for the region.

Local residents and commuters have expressed optimism about the bypass's impact. "This is a much-needed development for Banihal. Traffic jams have been a nightmare, and this bypass is a welcome relief," said a local shopkeeper.

The completion of the Banihal Bypass represents a significant step forward in the ongoing modernization of NH44. It underscores NHAI's commitment to improving road infrastructure and enhancing the travel experience for millions of commuters.

As the bypass becomes fully operational in the coming months, it is expected to serve as a catalyst for regional development, ensuring smoother connectivity and fostering economic growth.