The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is significantly enhancing connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir, with major projects like the Katra-Delhi Expressway and the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) nearing completion. These infrastructure developments are poised to drastically reduce travel times and improve the movement of goods and people throughout the Union Territory.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, NHAI Regional Officer (Jammu) Radhay Shyam Yadav stated that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) is expected to be fully upgraded to four lanes by the end of 2027. The project has already seen a substantial reduction in the highway’s original length of approximately 300 kilometres to 245 kilometres, owing to the construction of tunnels and bypasses.
Yadav informed that approximately 230 kilometres of the 245-kilometre stretch have been completed, with construction actively ongoing on the remaining 15 kilometres. A key milestone is the anticipated opening of a 3.5-kilometre tunnel between Digdol and Khooni Nallah in Ramban district by the end of the current month. Once this tunnel becomes operational, the remaining under-construction portion will be reduced to approximately 11.5 kilometres.
Further progress on critical components includes the viaduct ahead of Ramsoo and the tunnel between Marog and Digdol, which are targeted for completion by June 2027. Yadav cautioned that unforeseen delays might push the final completion to the end of 2027, at which point the entire Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will be fully upgraded.
NH44 serves as the vital artery connecting Jammu and Srinagar, playing a crucial role in the Union Territory’s economy by facilitating year-round movement of passengers, tourists, pilgrims, and freight. The upgrade aims to ensure smoother and more reliable transportation along this critical corridor.
Turning to the Katra-Amritsar-Delhi Expressway project, Yadav reported steady progress, with the Jammu and Kashmir section anticipated to be operational by the close of next year. Significant advancements have been made on the initial packages from Balsua in Pathankot to Kathua, with nearly 90 per cent of the work completed. These stretches are likely to open to traffic between September and October this year.
The Kunjwani-Satwari stretch in Jammu is also expected to be accessible within the next four to five months. Progress on the Kunjwani-Domail and Domail-Katra sections stands at around 70 per cent. The completion of the entire expressway stretch within Jammu and Kashmir by the end of next year is expected to dramatically cut down travel time between Katra and Delhi to approximately six hours.
Additionally, the NHAI is progressing with the 58-kilometre Jammu Ring Road project. Of this length, 55 kilometres have been completed, with ongoing construction of a three-kilometre tunnel.
In anticipation of the annual Amarnath Yatra, the NHAI has implemented several measures to ensure unhindered traffic flow on NH44. This includes the construction of nine underpasses, eight of which are already complete. Macadamisation has also been carried out on sections where the highway currently operates as a two-lane road.
Addressing the damage sustained by NH44 during heavy rainfall in 2025, Yadav confirmed that all affected road sections have been repaired, and restoration work on damaged bridges is nearing completion. While some major protection walls are still under construction at certain locations, traffic movement has been maintained.
To enhance commuter convenience, the NHAI is developing 20 wayside amenities along NH44 and other highway corridors. One such facility has been commissioned at Qazigund, with two more at Marhama and Jhajjar Kotli nearing completion and expected to open soon. The authority maintains close coordination with agencies including the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the Public Works Department to ensure efficient management of highway infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk