The Jammu and Kashmir administration is set to open two major infrastructure projects on National Highway-44 (NH-44)—the 810-metre Ramsoo Viaduct in Ramban district and the 3.5-km AT-03 Tunnel connecting Digdole and Panthyal. Scheduled to be inaugurated on July 3, the projects are expected to significantly improve road connectivity, reduce travel disruptions, and ensure safer transportation throughout the year.
NH-44 serves as the primary road link between Jammu and Srinagar, making it one of the most strategically important highways in northern India. However, several sections of the route, particularly in Ramban district, have long been vulnerable to landslides, rockfalls, and adverse weather conditions. These challenges often result in prolonged traffic disruptions, affecting commuters, freight movement, emergency services, and pilgrims travelling to the Amarnath shrine.
The newly constructed Ramsoo Viaduct and AT-03 Tunnel have been specifically designed to bypass these landslide-prone stretches. By providing an alternative route through safer terrain, the projects are expected to improve travel reliability while reducing the risk of weather-related road closures.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha welcomed the completion of the projects, describing them as another milestone in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s transport infrastructure. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for prioritising road development across the Union Territory.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, the projects will facilitate smoother and all-weather movement for local residents, tourists, commercial vehicles, freight operators, and security forces. They are also expected to provide safer and more convenient access for thousands of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026, one of India’s largest religious pilgrimages.
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the significance of the infrastructure upgrades, noting that they reflect the Centre’s continued commitment to improving connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. Better roads and tunnels are expected to boost tourism, enhance regional trade, improve logistics efficiency, and strengthen disaster resilience in the mountainous region.
