Nitin Gadkari Announces Maroge Tunnel’s Completion, Signifying Progress on Vital Jammu-Srinagar Highway

07-10-2023 : A significant milestone has been achieved on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway with the inauguration of the key Maroge Tunnel. This new segment promises to bring substantial benefits to commuters and the region’s economy. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari made the announcement through his social media platform, highlighting the tunnel’s completion and its positive impact.

The Maroge Tunnel, along with a 250-meter viaduct, has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 82 crore, as part of the broader project encompassing the Ramban to Banihal section of NH-44, which is the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. The tunnel and viaduct combination significantly shortens the travel distance by 200 meters, alleviating the need to navigate the challenging terrain of the Sita Ram Passi landslide-prone area. This improvement also promises smoother vehicle flow and bypasses the demanding gradients of the Maroge area.

Gadkari, in his announcement, underscored the importance of this infrastructure development for the region’s economic growth and its potential to elevate its status as a premier tourist destination. He also lauded the commitment of the government, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to deliver exceptional highway infrastructure to Jammu & Kashmir.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is a vital all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of India. The four-laning project for this 270-kilometer highway was initiated by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) in 2011. Over the years, it has involved the construction of numerous tunnels, bridges, and flyovers, with the overall project expected to be completed by the next year, despite several missed deadlines in the past decade.

The recent inauguration of the 880-meter T-5 tunnel and the completion of various other tunnels like the Kunfer tunnel, along with the opening of the Ramban flyover in June, have already eased the journey for commuters. The Ramban district, through which the most critical 66-kilometer stretch of the highway passes from the Nashri tunnel to the Banihal tunnel, has witnessed significant progress in the construction of other tunnels, bridges, and viaducts. Upon their completion, these infrastructural developments will further enhance the highway’s safety and convenience, ensuring comfortable travel for all.