The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set an internal target of December 2026 for completing Phase-I of the 46 km Kashmir Ring Road project. The deadline was announced after a review of construction progress on the Galandar-Narbal stretch in Kashmir.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg announced the target on September 26 following an inspection of the project corridor. The inspection was conducted along with NHAI officials, deputy commissioners and representatives of various engineering departments.
46 Km Corridor to Link South and North Kashmir
Phase-I of the Kashmir Ring Road extends from Galandar in Pulwama district to Narbal. Once completed, the corridor is expected to provide a direct road connection between south and north Kashmir.
The project is also expected to improve connectivity towards several important destinations, including Gulmarg, Baramulla, Bandipora and Sonamarg. Local representatives and MLAs have been seeking early completion and operationalisation of the corridor.
Project officials informed the administration about the progress of several major civil works along the stretch.
These include 143 culverts, 23 minor bridges and three major bridges. Construction has also covered 18 light vehicular underpasses, two flyover-cum-interchanges and six overpasses.
In addition, 12 syphons and 107 HPCs have been completed as part of the project works.
No Land Acquisition or Utility Issues Remaining
The administration said that no land acquisition or utility-related impediment currently remains on the 46 km stretch.
Earlier, transmission towers had reportedly affected construction progress at certain locations. According to Garg, compensation related to the transmission towers has now been disbursed, clearing the issue.
The divisional commissioner stressed the need for coordinated planning among the departments and agencies involved in the project so that remaining works can progress without further delays.
With the major land and utility-related issues addressed, project authorities are working towards completing the first phase within the December target.
Ring Road to Connect With Future Phases
Phase-I forms part of a larger ring-road system planned to improve connectivity across the Kashmir region. The corridor will eventually connect with subsequent phases extending towards Ganderbal and Pandach.
The broader network is intended to provide alternative connectivity between different parts of the region and improve the movement of traffic around Srinagar and adjoining areas.
The Galandar-Narbal stretch is therefore an important component of the larger project. Its completion would provide a new road link between Pulwama and northern parts of Kashmir while improving access towards key tourist and urban destinations.
Focus on Coordinated Project Execution
During the inspection, the administration reviewed the status of ongoing works and the issues that had affected construction. With compensation for the transmission tower-related issue completed and no pending land acquisition or utility impediments reported, attention is now focused on completing the remaining construction activities.
The December deadline is currently an internal target set by NHAI and project authorities. Progress on the remaining works will determine whether the stretch is ready for operationalisation within the targeted timeframe.
The completion of Phase-I would mark a significant step in the development of the wider Kashmir Ring Road network and provide an additional road corridor connecting south and north Kashmir.
