The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has achieved another milestone on the Jammu-Srinagar four-lane highway after nearly four years of construction. The NHAI has completed the Banihal Bypass, and one side of the bypass was opened for traffic following a post by Union Minister for Road Transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on his official X handle. 

Traffic has been allowed from Jammu to Srinagar on one tube of the much awaited Banihal bypass.

Project head of Banihal bypass from NHAI Kumar Jainendra told Greater Kashmir that the full public cooperation and support from locals was unconditional.

“We are happy to announce that Banihal bypass has been completed. Traffic on one tube has been allowed after the permission from Union minster of Road Transport and highways Nitin Gadkari,” he said. He said Banihal bypass costs around Rs 2.25 billion and its length is 2.2 km and will completely bypass Banihal town.

“This bypass will ease the issue of long traffic jam in Banihal town,” he said. On this occasion, MLA Banihal Haji Sajjad Shaheen, project head Kumar Jainendra, PM MGCPL Jasmeet Singh besides officials and engineers from NHAI, traffic, police and sub division Banihal administration were present.

Earlier, Banihal bypass was allotted to RAMKI construction company some 15 years ago which however failed to start the construction work of Banihal Bypass and the construction company was blacklisted by NHAI.

After fresh tendering process the work was allotted to MG construction company PVT about four years back. The company sublet the work to Rashid Beigh construction company (RBCC) Banihal and finally the RBCC completed Banihal bypass despite of several issues related to landowners of Banihal bypass.