**Executive Summary**
The Digdol–Panthyal Twin Tube Tunnel project on National Highway 44 in Jammu & Kashmir is nearing completion to provide all-weather connectivity and bypass the hazardous "Khooni Nallah" stretch. As of March 21, 2026, the project has reached 87.2% physical progress with a total investment of ₹866.37 crore. The initiative aims to significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar while enhancing safety and strategic mobility in the Himalayan terrain.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Specifications**
* **Location:** Situated in the Ramban–Banihal section of NH-44, Jammu & Kashmir.
* **Infrastructure:** Consists of 4-lane Twin Tube Tunnels designed to modernize the vital highway corridor.
* **Tunnel Dimensions:** The North Bound tubes measure 2.6 km and 0.619 km, while the South Bound tube is 3.08 km.
* **Financials:** The project is being executed at a total cost of ₹866.37 crore.
* **Engineering and Construction**
* **Methodology:** Construction utilizes the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) to handle complex geological conditions.
* **Techniques:** Excavation involves a combination of heading and benching to ensure structural stability and safety.
* **Timeline:** Work on the tunnels began simultaneously in 2022 and is currently in its final stages.
* **Safety and Connectivity Improvements**
* **Hazard Mitigation:** By routing traffic through the mountains, the project eliminates exposure to landslides and "shooting stones" at the notorious Khooni Nallah.
* **All-Weather Access:** Ensures reliable, year-round connectivity that was previously disrupted by heavy rains and falling rocks.
* **Efficiency:** Travel that once took hours or days due to traffic halts can now be completed in minutes.
* **Strategic Importance**
* **Regional Link:** Strengthens the connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
* **Emergency Response:** Facilitates faster movement for the Army and security personnel, enabling quicker responses during regional emergencies.
**Impact Analysis**
**Local Residents and Students**
**Impact**
Residents experience a drastic reduction in daily commute times and improved safety. For students, shorter travel times mean arriving home earlier with more energy to focus on studies.
**Action Required**
Utilize the new tunnel infrastructure for daily transit once it is fully operational to avoid legacy hazardous routes.
**Goods Transporters and Tourists**
**Impact**
The project reduces both travel time and operational costs between Jammu and Srinagar. It eliminates the risk of being stranded for days due to weather-related road closures.
**Action Required**
Update logistics and travel schedules to account for the significantly reduced transit times and improved reliability of NH-44.
**Security Agencies and the Army**
**Impact**
Enhanced strategic connectivity along a critical corridor allows for the rapid deployment of personnel and equipment.
**Action Required**
Integrate the improved 4-lane tunnel route into emergency response protocols and troop movement logistics.
Key Entities Referenced
Digdol–Panthyal Twin Tube Tunnel project: A major infrastructure initiative under the four-laning of the Ramban-Banihal section designed to provide all-weather connectivity and reduce travel time in the Himalayan terrain.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways: The primary government ministry responsible for the implementation and completion of the tunnel and highway modernization projects.
National Highway 44 (NH-44): The vital highway corridor connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, which is being upgraded to improve safety and strategic connectivity.
Jammu & Kashmir: The central location of the project, specifically targeting the landslide-prone Ramban-Banihal stretch to facilitate safer movement for civilians and security forces.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
From Waiting for Days to Reaching in Minutes:
How the Digdol–Panthyal Twin Tube Tunnels in
J&K Are Set to Change Lives
Posted On: 21 MAR 2026 4:36PM by PIB Delhi
For decades, the stretch between Ramban, Digdol and Panthyal on National Highway 44 was known by a
name that locals rarely spoke about without concern — Khooni Nallah. Falling rocks, landslides, heavy
rains and a high number of fatal accidents frequently brought traffic to a halt. Travellers often found
themselves stranded for hours, sometimes even days, waiting for the road to clear. Today, that story is
changing with the construction of the 4-lane Twin Tube Tunnels from Digdol to Panthyal in the Ramban-
Banihal section of NH-44.
Ratan, a resident of Digdol, remembers how unpredictable travel once was. “Earlier, when rocks used to
fall and during heavy rains, many people would be forced to wait for days on either side. Now, we can
reach from Digdol to the Ramsoo–Magarkote side in just 5 minutes. I would like to sincerely thank the
government for the tunnel works,” he says.
Part of the ongoing four-laning of the Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44, the Digdol–Panthyal Twin Tube
Tunnels are a significant step towards strengthening connectivity in this challenging Himalayan terrain.
High in the Himalayas, the Ramban–Banihal stretch forms a vital link connecting the Kashmir Valley with
the rest of India. Known for its steep terrain and frequent landslides, this section has long posed challenges
for travellers and transporters alike. To make this critical route safer, faster and more reliable, a major
infrastructure initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is nearing completion — the
Digdol–Panthyal Twin Tube Tunnel project.
A Corridor of Strategic Importance
The Digdol–Panthyal Twin Tube Tunnel project represents an important step towards strengthening all-
weather connectivity along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway. The entire project is set to reduce the
travelling time between Jammu and Srinagar, a move that will directly benefit goods transporters, tourists,
local residents and security agencies in terms of both time and cost. In addition, the reduced travel time
will facilitate faster movement of the Army and other security personnel along this critical corridor,
enabling quicker response during emergencies and strengthening strategic connectivity in the region.
Safer Roads, Easier School Days
For Naresh, who lives in Digdol, the difference is visible in everyday life, especially for children. “Earlier,
there were accidents almost every day and traffic jams were common here,” he recalls. “We had trouble
going to Ramban, and our children faced many problems travelling to school.”
Long travel times meant children returned home tired, with little time left to study. “The journey used to
take so long that by the time they reached home, they barely had time to focus on their studies,” he says.
With improved connectivity, that situation is changing. “Now, we can reach Ramban in about fiveminutes. Travelling back and forth has become much easier,” Naresh explains. “Our children can come
home earlier and spend more time studying. In the coming years, accidents will also reduce and travel
time will be saved.”
Key Highlights of the Project
Project: 4-Lane Digdol–Panthyal Twin Tube Tunnels in the Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44
Location: Jammu & Kashmir
Tunnel Length: North Bound: 2.6 km & 0.619 km
South Bound: 3.08 km
Project Cost: ₹866.37 crore
Current Physical Progress: 87.2%
Advanced Engineering in Difficult Terrain
The Digdol–Panthyal Twin Tube tunnels are being built using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method
(NATM), a widely used approach for underground excavation in complex geological conditions. Work on
the tunnels began simultaneously in 2022 and has since progressed rapidly, with the project now
approaching its final stages. The excavation has been carried out through a combination of heading and
benching to ensure stability and safety during construction.
Towards Safer and All-Weather Connectivity
Once operational, the Twin Tube tunnels will significantly improve safety along the Ramban–Banihal
stretch. By routing vehicles through the mountains instead of along landslide-prone slopes, the project will
reduce exposure to shooting stones and weather-related disruptions. This will ensure reliable all-weather
connectivity throughout the year.
From Hazardous Curves to Safer Tunnels
Across the Ramban–Banihal section, tunnel and bridge construction is progressing steadily, marking a
major step towards modernising this vital highway corridor. For the people who travel this route every
day, the transformation is already clear. Where travellers once waited for hours — sometimes days —
vehicles will soon pass safely through these tunnels in minutes. And for residents like Ratan and Naresh,
that change will mark a world of difference, turning a once difficult and uncertain journey into a safer,
faster and more reliable part of everyday life.*****
GDH/HJ
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