Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, today announced the successful completion of a 4-lane, 2.35 km Banihal Bypass on NH-44. The new infrastructure is set to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity in the Jammu and Kashmir region.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Shri Gadkari wrote: “In Jammu & Kashmir, we have successfully completed a 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass in Banihal town at a cost of Rs 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 persistent bottleneck caused by roadside markets and shops.”

Gradual Traffic Release
Initially, traffic will be released on 2 lanes of the bypass, with the full 4-lane capacity expected to be operational within the next 15 days after the completion of junction development near Banihal Railway Station.

Enhanced Connectivity and Security
The bypass is set to improve the traffic flow for tourists and defense vehicles traveling to the Kashmir valley. By significantly reducing congestion and travel time, it strengthens both regional connectivity and national security logistics. Moreover, the enhanced infrastructure will boost tourism prospects in the region, contributing to its economic development.

Project Overview and Delays
The Banihal Bypass project, initiated in January 2021, was originally scheduled for completion in December 2023 but faced a year-long delay due to unforeseen challenges. Stretching from Kharpora to Navayuga Tunnel, the bypass now diverts traffic away from Banihal town, easing congestion along the old alignment of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

Official Statements
Project Director of National Highway, Ramban Sector, Shri P. K. Phonsa, highlighted the importance of the bypass: “This critical infrastructure ensures unhindered traffic flow, reducing bottlenecks and easing the daily commute for locals and tourists alike. The Ramban Bypass stretch has already been completed, and with the Banihal section now operational, the entire highway is significantly improved.”

Visionary Leadership
Shri Gadkari praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the project aligns with the government’s vision to foster economic growth and position Jammu & Kashmir as a premier tourist destination. The bypass not only represents a leap in infrastructure but also underscores the government’s commitment to progress and development.

Looking Ahead
With the new bypass now open for traffic, the region is poised for a transformative shift in connectivity and accessibility. Locals and travelers can look forward to smoother journeys and enhanced opportunities in the months to come.

This is 11TH BUILDING MATERIAL EXHIBITION with latest building materials from all over the country under one roof .
The event was visited by many prominent as well as general masses in very good numbers. People associated with construction thronged the venue enthusiastically.
Among various prominent personalities were Ch. Vikram Randhawa, MLA Bahu Constituency and Sh. Chander Prakash Ganga, MLA Vijaypur Constituency Jammu along with their staff graced the occasion. The day also witnessed very innovative and creative works done by students of Architecture and technical presentations by different companies.
valedictory function will be held on 6th Jan 2025 and Sh. Jugal Kishore Sharma MP of Jammu constituency will be the chief guest for the event. The Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir has a functioning Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) J&K Chapter comprising a dedicated team having Ar. Vikas Dubey – Chairman, Ar. Vishal Abrol – Vice Chairman, Ar. Anil Verma Jt. Hon. Secretary, Ar. Harbinder Pal Singh – Jt. Hon. Secy, Ar. Sanjeev Mahajan Hon. Treasurer, with nine executive members and two co-opted members.

In a rallying call to action, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra urged former Corporators and recent candidates of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) elections to intensify efforts in safeguarding the core idea of India. He emphasized the urgent need to counter what he described as a divisive agenda led by the BJP-RSS combine.

Speaking at a high-level interaction held in Jammu, Karra underscored the Congress Party’s foundational philosophy, rooted in unity amidst diversity. He expressed grave concerns about threats to the secular fabric of India, stressing that the basic idea of the nation, which thrives on inclusivity and harmony, is under attack by communal and divisive forces.

“The Congress ideology is deeply aligned with the Constitution of India, which celebrates our diversity and promotes unity,” said Karra. “Today, this inclusive vision is being challenged by forces that seek to divide and disrupt the social harmony of our pluralistic society. It is our duty to resist these efforts with determination and vigor.”

Strengthening Grassroots Connections

The PCC chief spent the day in an interactive session with former Corporators and candidates, taking their feedback on organizational affairs and the party’s presence at the grassroots level. He advised them to actively engage with citizens in their wards, addressing local issues, and escalating significant concerns to the senior leadership for redressal.

“You are the face of the party in your communities,” Karra told attendees. “Your role in listening to people’s problems and voicing their concerns is crucial in strengthening the Congress’s mission.”

Countering False Narratives

Karra stressed the importance of combating what he called the “fake and misleading propaganda” of the BJP-RSS combine. He called on Congress workers to uphold and promote the party’s secular ideology, which he argued has been central to India’s success as a democratic and inclusive nation.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the secular and democratic ethos of India remains intact,” Karra declared. “The Congress Party has always championed the values of equality, justice, and harmony, and we must continue to do so with unwavering resolve.”

A Renewed Call to Action

The interaction ended with a collective pledge from participants to uphold the party’s vision and work tirelessly to preserve India’s secular fabric. Karra’s impassioned appeal resonated with the audience, who committed to reinforcing Congress’s grassroots presence and standing firm against divisive forces.

As the Congress Party gears up for upcoming challenges, the meeting served as a reminder of its enduring commitment to the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution—a commitment that continues to inspire and unite its members in the face of adversity.

Shri Amitava Chatterjee, Managing Director and CEO of Jammu & Kashmir Bank Limited, called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today.

During the meeting, Shri Chatterjee briefed the Lieutenant Governor on various initiatives and projects undertaken by the bank to promote economic growth and financial inclusion in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, enhancing credit accessibility for small businesses, and expanding digital banking infrastructure to benefit the people of the region.

The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the efforts of J&K Bank in driving financial empowerment and contributing to the socio-economic development of the Union Territory. He urged the bank to continue its focus on strengthening rural banking and promoting self-reliance among youth and women entrepreneurs through innovative financial products and services.

Discussions also included strategies to further improve the bank’s outreach, particularly in remote and underserved areas, ensuring that the benefits of financial services reach every section of society.

Shri Chatterjee assured the Lieutenant Governor of the bank’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its role as a key financial institution in the region and contributing positively to the UT’s economic progress.