UNION Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Sunday announced that the 4-lane Banihal bypass has been completed and will become operational within 15 days. This 4-lane road will bypass traffic from Banihal town on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway thereby saving the travel time lost to traffic jams in the town. Built for Rs 224.44 crore, the bypass features four viaducts spanning 1,513 meters and three culverts, addressing persistent bottlenecks caused by roadside markets and shops. In a post on X, Gadkari shared that traffic will initially be released on two lanes before transitioning to four lanes following the completion of junction development. “This critical infrastructure enhances regional connectivity, strengthens national security logistics, and improves tourism prospects in Jammu & Kashmir,” Gadkari stated. He highlighted the project’s transformative impact under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contributing to economic growth and elevating the region’s status as a premier tourist destination.