Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the successful completion of the 4-lane, 2.35 km Banihal Bypass on NH-44. This project, valued at ₹224.44 crore, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and boost regional connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Features of the Banihal Bypass
- Strategic Location:
- Situated on the Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44.
- Aims to bypass Banihal town, which previously faced bottlenecks due to roadside markets and shops.
- Structural Highlights:
- Includes 4 viaducts spanning 1,513 meters.
- Features 3 culverts for improved drainage and structural integrity.
- Traffic Plan:
- Initially, 2-lane traffic has been opened.
- Full 4-lane traffic will be operational within 15 days after junction development.
Benefits of the Project
- Improved Traffic Flow:
- Reduces travel time and congestion for tourists and defense vehicles heading to the Kashmir Valley.
- Enhanced Connectivity:
- Strengthens regional and national connectivity.
- Supports logistics for national security.
- Boost to Tourism and Economy:
- Positions Jammu & Kashmir as a premier tourist destination.
- Contributes to economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Project Details and Challenges
- Timeline:
- Project initiated in January 2021.
- Originally scheduled for completion by December 2023 but delayed by one year due to unforeseen challenges.
- Scope:
- The bypass starts from Kharpora and connects to the Navayuga Tunnel, bypassing Banihal town.
- Complements the completed Ramban Bypass stretch.
- Junction Development:
- Junction near the Banihal Railway Station and another section require approximately two weeks for completion.
- Full 4-lane traffic will be operational after junction work is finalized.
Announcement and Inauguration
- The bypass was inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari through e-mode.
- Traffic was released on the bypass immediately after the ceremony.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the total length of the Banihal Bypass on NH-44?
a) 2.0 km
b) 2.35 km
c) 3.5 km
d) 4.0 km
Answer: b) 2.35 km
2. How many viaducts are included in the Banihal Bypass project?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
Answer: c) 4
3. What is the cost of the Banihal Bypass project?
a) ₹200 crore
b) ₹224.44 crore
c) ₹250 crore
d) ₹300 crore
Answer: b) ₹224.44 crore
4. When was the Banihal Bypass project initiated?
a) January 2020
b) January 2021
c) December 2021
d) January 2022
Answer: b) January 2021
5. What is the expected time for junction development near the Banihal Railway Station?
a) One week
b) Two weeks
c) One month
d) Six months
Answer: b) Two weeks
6. Which town does the Banihal Bypass aim to bypass?
a) Ramban
b) Banihal
c) Srinagar
d) Jammu
Answer: b) Banihal
7. Who inaugurated the Banihal Bypass project?
a) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
b) Nitin Gadkari
c) P K Phonsa
d) National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
Answer: b) Nitin Gadkari
8. What section of NH-44 does the Banihal Bypass cover?
a) Srinagar-Jammu
b) Ramban-Banihal
c) Jammu-Katra
d) Anantnag-Baramulla
Answer: b) Ramban-Banihal