Gadkari assures exceptional highway infra for J&K
Work apace on completion of widening work
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Oct 16: Union Minister of Road Traffic and Highways Nitin Gadkari today said his Ministry remains committed to delivering exceptional highway infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir as he announced successful completion of another viaduct at Sher Bibi at critical section of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway between Ramban and Banihal.
Officials said work on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway widening has now reached critical areas between Ramban and Banihal which are trouble prone because of frequent landslides and shooting stones especially during adverse weather conditions.
Officials told the Excelsior that completion of work in critical areas bypassing landslide and shooting stone-prone belt will help in smooth movement of the traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and expedite completion of the work.
In a detailed post on X, Nitin Gadkari said the MORTH has successfully completed construction of a 224-meter viaduct (two-lane) at Sher Bibi with an estimated cost of Rs 12 crores. This infrastructure is situated along Ramban-Banihal section of the National Highway 44.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional highway infrastructure to Jammu and Kashmir,” Gadkari said.
The Union Minister said the 224-meter segment, as part of the broader project, not only reduces the travel distance by 125 meters, thus mitigating steep gradients, but also avoids the need for a steep cutting with a hill slope angle exceeding 80 degrees.
Furthermore, Gadkari wrote, it significantly facilitates the smooth flow of vehicles, bypassing the challenging terrain of Sher Bibi area gradients.
“It’s important to know that this project contributes to the region’s economic growth and enhances its overall connectivity,” Gadkari said.
Office of LG J&K reposted the post of Gadkari on completion of viaduct at Sher Bibi on X.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also Lok Sabha Member from Doda-Udhampur-Kathua constituency, expressed thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MORTH Minister Nitin Gadkari for completion of viaduct.
“The 224-meter viaduct (2-lane) a Sher Bibi along Ramban to Banihal section of National Highway-44 has been successfully completed. Thanks Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fast track development.
“Very soon the road distance between Jammu to Srinagar will be reduced to 4 hours. Thanks MORTH Minister Nitin Gadkari,” Dr Jitendra Singh wrote on X.
Officials said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has expedited work on widening of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at remaining points especially the areas which are more prone to landslides and shooting of stones between Ramban and Banihal section especially during heavy rains and snowfall.
The Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways has been engaged in construction of various National Highways in Jammu and Kashmir including remaining parts of Jammu-Srinagar which is expected to be completed shortly.
The Centre and UT Governments have repeatedly stated that travel time on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will come down to around four hours when the work is completed.
Earlier, Gadkari had announced the completion of several viaducts and bridges on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway including two-lane cantilever Jaiswal bridge over Chenab on Udhampur-Ramban section of NH-44 to alleviate congestion.
The meticulously designed balanced Cantilever bridge spans 118 meters and was built at a cost of Rs 20 crore.
The Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways has been constructing highways and tunnels worth over Rs one lakh crore in Jammu and Kashmir.
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