Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 19

India’s highways authority will open key sections of under-construction tunnels and viaducts on the strategic Srinagar-Jammu National Highway ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, aiming to improve traffic flow and reduce disruptions along one of the region’s most vulnerable road corridors.

Officials said the move is intended to facilitate safer and smoother travel for pilgrims and other commuters during the pilgrimage season, particularly across stretches historically affected by landslides, shooting stones and weather-related closures.

The development comes as work progresses on the final phase of the four-lane Srinagar-Jammu highway project, one of the most ambitious road infrastructure initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.

While most sections between Udhampur and Banihal have already been completed, construction continues on a roughly 35-km stretch between Ramban and Banihal, where multiple tunnels, bridges and viaducts are being built through mountainous terrain.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Project Director Shubham Yadav said one tube of the twin-tube tunnel between Digdool and Panthyal, measuring about 3.5 km, would be opened for traffic during the yatra period.

In addition, approximately 800 metres of an under-construction viaduct between Makarkoot and Sher Bibi will also become operational.

“The objective is to ease congestion, improve safety, and ensure uninterrupted movement for yatris and other road users,” Yadav said.

The Digdool-Panthyal section includes some of the most problematic segments of the highway, including the notorious Khooni Nallah area, which has witnessed frequent closures due to landslides, mudslides and falling rocks.

Even moderate rainfall has historically disrupted traffic movement in the sector, often causing lengthy delays and stranding vehicles.

Officials said the partial opening of the tunnel would allow motorists to bypass some of the most vulnerable stretches, reducing travel time and improving reliability.

Yadav said extensive preparations had been undertaken to ensure smooth traffic movement during the yatra and that work on remaining sections of the project was progressing steadily.

He added that nearly 90 percent of restoration and stabilisation work undertaken after last year’s cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides had been completed, significantly improving road conditions in affected areas.

Once fully operational, the remaining tunnel and viaduct projects are expected to transform one of the most challenging stretches of the highway, providing year-round connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India.

Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for two-way traffic on Friday, providing relief to commuters and transport operators.

Traffic authorities said two-way movement was expected to continue on Saturday, subject to favourable weather and road conditions.

However, traffic remained slow at several locations between Ramban and Banihal due to single-lane stretches, ongoing repairs and construction activity.

Authorities advised commuters to travel during daylight hours and avoid night journeys because of the risk of landslides, shooting stones and construction-related hazards.

Traffic police urged motorists to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking, warning that violations frequently contribute to congestion along the corridor.