📅 July 02, 2026 , Jammu : In a significant boost to road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the 810-metre-long viaduct near Ramsoo and the 3.5-kilometre AT-03 Tunnel connecting Digdole to Panthyal on National Highway-44 will be opened for vehicular traffic on July 3, 2026. The two projects, completed at a combined cost of ₹680 crore, are expected to greatly improve connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
The announcement was made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who described the projects as major engineering achievements that will provide safer, faster and all-weather connectivity by bypassing one of the most landslide-prone stretches of the Ramban–Banihal section of NH-44.
According to Gadkari, the 810-metre viaduct has been constructed on the northbound carriageway for traffic moving from Jammu towards Srinagar, while the 3.5-km AT-03 Tunnel has been developed on the southbound carriageway connecting Digdole and Panthyal for vehicles travelling towards Jammu.
The Minister said the new infrastructure will substantially reduce travel time, improve road safety and ensure uninterrupted movement of tourists, local commuters, defence vehicles, freight carriers and essential supplies throughout the year. The projects are also expected to minimise disruptions caused by landslides, shooting stones and adverse weather conditions that have long affected this section of the national highway.
The opening of the viaduct and tunnel coincides with the commencement of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, providing pilgrims with a safer and more dependable route to the Kashmir Valley during the annual pilgrimage.
Highlighting the broader impact of the projects, Gadkari said the improved highway infrastructure would strengthen regional connectivity, promote tourism, facilitate trade and economic development, and enhance the resilience of Jammu and Kashmir’s road network.
The Ramban–Banihal stretch has historically remained one of the most challenging sections of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway because of its mountainous terrain and frequent weather-related disruptions. The completion of these two projects marks another important milestone in the ongoing modernization of NH-44 and is expected to improve logistics, emergency response and strategic movement in the region.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for completing the landmark projects. He described the viaduct and tunnel as transformative infrastructure that will ensure smooth and all-weather movement for residents, tourists, pilgrims, freight transport and security forces while bypassing vulnerable landslide-prone areas.
The Lieutenant Governor said the projects would significantly enhance the travel experience for thousands of devotees undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 and further strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s transport infrastructure.
