Centre clears Rs 95 crore Qazigund bypass, seeks DPR for NH-444 upgrade as alternate highway in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jun 24: The Centre has taken a significant step toward establishing an alternative highway in Kashmir by initiating plans for the widening and up-gradation of the 63-kilometer Srinagar-Qazigund road, designated as National Highway 444 (NH-444).

The move is aimed at creating an alternate route to the often-congested NH-44, enhancing connectivity between south and central Kashmir.

In a related development, the government has approved Rs 95 crore for the construction of the Qazigund bypass, which will link the stretch to the old Banihal-Qazigund national highway. Work on the bypass is expected to begin once funds are released. An official said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the NH-444 widening project will soon be prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). “NH-444 begins at Barzulla in Srinagar and will include an elevated corridor passing through Humhama Airport, Ompora, and Chadoora,” said Sajad Naqeeb, Chief Engineer, Roads and Buildings (R&B) Kashmir.

The proposed highway, which passes through the districts of Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam before reaching Qazigund, is envisioned as a strategic alternative to NH-44. Once completed, it will offer enhanced road safety and smoother travel, especially during winter when the existing route often faces disruptions. Qazigund will become the fourth bypass on the stretch, joining those already approved at Pulwama (4.75 km), Shopian (8.95 km), and Kulgam (8.7 km), with work underway on all three.

The new route is expected to boost economic activity, particularly benefiting apple growers in Shopian—dubbed the “Apple bowl of the valley”—by enabling faster transport of produce to markets. Officials say the overall project is poised to significantly enhance regional connectivity and resilience within Jammu and Kashmir’s transport infrastructure.