Centre Clears Upgrade Of Srinagar–Qazigund Alternative Highway

The Union Government has set in motion plans to widen and modernise the 63-kilometre Srinagar–Qazigund road (NH-444), creating a strategic alternative to the often-choked NH-44 between south and central Kashmir. As part of the initiative the Centre has sanctioned Rs 0.95 billion for a new Qazigund bypass that will connect the route to the old Banihal–Qazigund highway; construction is due to begin once funds are released.

According to Chief Engineer (Roads & Buildings) Kashmir Sajad Naqeeb, a detailed project report for NH-444 will shortly be lodged with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Starting at Barzulla in Srinagar, the upgraded road will include an elevated corridor skirting Humhama Airport, Ompora and Chadoora before running through Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam to Qazigund. The new bypass will be the fourth on the alignment, joining works already under way at Pulwama (4.75 km), Shopian (8.95 km) and Kulgam (8.7 km).

Once complete, NH-444 is expected to deliver safer, smoother travel, particularly in winter when NH-44 is prone to closure, while giving a fillip to the local economy. Apple growers in Shopian—the ‘apple bowl of the Valley’—should gain from quicker access to market, and officials say the wider project will greatly strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s transport resilience.