JAMMU: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Regional Office Jammu, has successfully completed several major highway infrastructure projects along the NH-44 corridor during 2025 and outlined key projects scheduled for completion in 2026, officials said.
Major Achievements in 2025
Significant progress was recorded on the Pathankot–Jammu section of NH-44. At Nanake Chak in Samba, the long-pending two-lane Road Under Bridge (RUB) at km 69+422 was widened to a four-lane configuration by constructing additional lanes beneath the railway line, resolving a project that had remained pending since 2009.
The damaged five-span, two-lane bridge over the Tarnah River on the Pathankot–Jammu stretch was reconstructed, restoring seamless connectivity. Additionally, a distressed narrow bridge on the Lakhanpur–Samba stretch was fully reconstructed over 215 metres under corridor efficiency improvement works, enhancing traffic flow and road safety.
On the Jammu–Srinagar section, the Banihal Bypass, spanning approximately 2.35 kilometres, was completed, including a long viaduct that significantly reduces congestion around Banihal town. Tunnel and viaduct works addressing geological sliding and slip zones between Nashri and Ramban over a 2.2-kilometre stretch were also completed, strengthening resilience and ensuring all-weather connectivity.
Further, blackspot rectification works involving service road construction at Gole Mela and Sangoor in Udhampur district were completed, improving safety for road users.
Projects Targeted for Completion in 2026
Looking ahead, several key projects are progressing steadily and are scheduled for completion in 2026.
On the Pathankot–Jammu section, construction of 13 underpasses and flyovers along the Lakhanpur–Jammu corridor of NH-44/NE-05 is expected to be completed, reducing congestion and traffic conflict points. Blackspot rectification works at SIDCO Samba, including construction of a major bridge with approaches, are likely to be completed by March 2026.
The Hiranagar Bypass to Balsua section of the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway (Package-14) is also slated for completion during the year. The Jammu Ring Road, extending approximately 53–55 kilometres, has been declared complete—excluding the tunnel portion—as of January 1, 2026. One tube of the Jammu Ring Road tunnel is targeted for completion before the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.
On the Jammu–Srinagar section, the 3.2-kilometre twin-tube tunnel between Digdol and Khuni Nallah in the Ramban–Banihal segment is scheduled for completion by March 2026. Meanwhile, Phase-I of the Srinagar Ring Road, covering 42.1 kilometres, is expected to be ready for use by August 2026.
Officials said the completion of these projects underscores NHAI’s commitment to strengthening national highway infrastructure, improving strategic and regional connectivity, and ensuring safer, faster, and more efficient movement of passengers and freight across Jammu and Kashmir.
