With the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra scheduled to begin on July 3, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), district administration and executing agencies have accelerated repair and maintenance work along National Highway-44 to ensure safe and hassle-free travel for pilgrims.
Repair work is underway at several vulnerable stretches between Nashri and Banihal in Ramban district. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic NH), Raja Adil Hamid Ganai, the ongoing works between Ramban and Banihal are aimed at facilitating smooth movement of yatris and other commuters during the pilgrimage.
Authorities said the focus is on improving road conditions, strengthening safety measures and ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow on the strategic highway, which serves as the main route for thousands of pilgrims.
To speed up repairs, traffic was suspended during the night on multiple occasions between June 12 and June 17 along the 63-kilometre stretch between the Chenani-Nashri (Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee) Tunnel and the Navyuga Tunnel in Banihal. The restrictions enabled maintenance work, tunnel construction and viaduct development.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan reviewed Yatra preparations and inspected key infrastructure projects along NH-44. Accompanied by senior police officers, NHAI officials and departmental representatives, he inspected the 3.5-km Digdol-Panthyal Tunnel, which is expected to be opened for traffic shortly.
The inspection team also reviewed the newly operational Makerkote-Ramsoo viaduct and other ongoing tunnel projects designed to reduce travel time, improve road safety and ease congestion during the pilgrimage.
The Deputy Commissioner directed NHAI and executing agencies to complete all remaining works at the earliest while maintaining quality and safety standards. He stressed the need to keep NH-44 fully operational throughout the Yatra.
Later, officials inspected arrangements at Lamber, reviewing facilities including sanitation, drinking water, medical assistance, traffic management and security deployment. During a joint security review, authorities assessed surveillance systems, emergency response plans and inter-agency coordination to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure prompt response to any emergency during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. (Agencies)
