Travelers on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will soon receive significant relief.
The new tunnel being built between Digdol and Khooni Nala on the Ramban-Banihal section will not only reduce the distance by approximately 13 kilometers but will also alleviate the problem of frequent road closures during winter.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has set a target of completing this approximately 3.2-kilometer-long twin-tube tunnel within the next 90 days. The tunnel will be double-lane, with separate tubes being built in both directions. Approximately 80 percent of the project’s construction work has been completed, and the construction agency is working around the clock.
According to NHAI, this section of the Ramban-Banihal section is most affected by heavy snowfall and landslides during winter. Once the tunnel is operational, vehicular traffic on this route will be possible 12 months a year, significantly benefiting both passengers and freight.
A progress report on this project has also been submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. After reviewing the construction work, NHAI has issued necessary guidelines to the concerned agency, setting a timeline.
Meanwhile, there is also significant good news for the city of Srinagar. Construction of the Srinagar Ring Road Phase 1 is expected to be completed by August. The completion of this approximately 42-kilometer-long ring road will reduce traffic congestion within the city and facilitate the movement of outside vehicles.
NHAI Regional Officer RS Yadav stated that the target is to complete the Digdol-Khooni Nala Tunnel by March. He added that the completion of these projects will significantly improve the connectivity, safety, and travel convenience of the national highways in Jammu and Kashmir.
