Four-Lane Banihal Bypass Opens in J&K’s Ramban + Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()?? Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Key Highlights:
Event: The newly constructed 2.35-km four-lane Banihal bypass in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district was inaugurated on Sunday.
Purpose: The bypass aims to boost national security logistics and tourism while significantly reducing travel time to the Kashmir Valley.
Details:
Strategic Importance:
Located on the Ramban–Banihal section of NH-44, the bypass is a critical upgrade to India’s longest highway, stretching from Srinagar to Kanyakumari.
It resolves bottlenecks caused by roadside markets and shops in Banihal town.
Ensures smoother traffic flow for tourists and defence vehicles heading to the Kashmir Valley.
Infrastructure Details:
Constructed at a cost of ₹224.44 crore.
Initially, two-lane traffic will be permitted, with four-lane operations commencing after junction development within 15 days.
Features upgrades such as tunnels and improved road quality to ensure all-weather connectivity.
Impact on Travel:
Travel time on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (290 km) has reduced from nine hours to six hours due to recent enhancements like tunnels and bypasses.
Ongoing work on the 32-km Ramban–Banihal stretch is expected to further improve travel time and connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Statements by Officials:
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Transport and Highways, described the bypass as a milestone for the region, emphasizing its role in improving regional connectivity, national security logistics, and tourism.
National Conference MLA Sajjad Shaheen inaugurated the bypass, highlighting its potential to transform travel in the region.
Significance:
National Security: Facilitates faster movement of defence vehicles, ensuring readiness and logistics in the sensitive region.
Tourism: Enhances access to the Kashmir Valley, promoting tourism and boosting the local economy.
All-Weather Connectivity: Overcomes challenges posed by the hilly terrain of Ramban district, ensuring seamless travel.
The Banihal bypass is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade by the Government of India to ensure that NH-44 remains an efficient and all-weather road connecting Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. It marks a significant step toward regional development and strategic infrastructure improvement.
National Highway 44 (NH-44) and Its Importance:
NH-44, stretching 4,112 km from Srinagar to Kanniyakumari, is India's longest highway traversing 11 states/UTs. It serves as a crucial artery for the nation, connecting key regions and facilitating economic growth, tourism, and national security.
NH-44 is not merely a road; it is a lifeline connecting India's north and south, driving economic growth, fostering tourism, and ensuring national security. Its ongoing development is crucial for the nation's progress and integration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in Competitive Exams:
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the newly constructed Banihal bypass in J&K?
A) To connect Banihal with Srinagar directly
B) To enhance national security logistics and tourism
C) To reduce the number of road accidents in the region
D) To bypass NH-44 entirely
Answer: B) To enhance national security logistics and tourism
Question 2
Which section of NH-44 is the Banihal bypass located on?
A) Srinagar–Jammu section
B) Ramban–Banihal section
C) Srinagar–Kanyakumari section
D) Udhampur–Ramban section
Answer: B) Ramban–Banihal section
Question 3
What is the length and cost of the Banihal bypass recently inaugurated in J&K?
A) 5.5 km; ₹500 crore
B) 2.35 km; ₹224.44 crore
C) 10 km; ₹300 crore
D) 3.25 km; ₹350 crore
Answer: B) 2.35 km; ₹224.44 crore