Corridors: Chenani-Sudhmahadev Project status: Ongoing

The widening and upgradation of the Chenani-Sudhmahadev section of NH-244 is a transformative project that will enhance the connectivity and safety of this vital corridor. Spanning 16.32 kilometers, this project focuses on expanding the existing road to a two-lane highway with paved shoulders, ensuring smoother and more reliable travel. The project involves significant geometric improvements, the construction of three major bridges, seven minor bridges, and nearly 100 culverts. These enhancements will reduce the travel time from 60 minutes to just 25 minutes, providing a substantial 35-minute reduction that will greatly benefit local communities and travelers alike.

This project is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a strategic initiative aimed at offering alternative connectivity to the Kashmir Valley while bypassing the sinking areas from Batote to Khellani. With a total project cost of Rs. 264.21 crores, the upgraded highway will not only reduce traffic congestion and the risk of accidents but also ensure a more resilient connection to key regions. By enhancing this corridor, NHIDCL is addressing both current transportation needs and the long-term strategic importance of the region, making it a critical development that will have lasting impacts on the connectivity and safety of the Jammu and Kashmir region.