Ramban: In a major push to ensure seamless and all-weather connectivity on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NHW-44), the government is accelerating work on the ambitious four-lane project, with significant progress already achieved on key stretches. After the successful completion of the Jammu–Udhampur and Udhampur–Chenani sections, construction work on the crucial Ramban–Banihal stretch is progressing at a rapid pace. Balwinder Singh, Site In-Charge NHW-44 Banihal, said that a major portion of the project, including tunnels, has already been completed, with only around six kilometres of the stretch remaining. He added that work on the pending portion is underway in full swing to ensure its early completion. He further informed that the last six-kilometre stretch from Kishtwari Pather to Ukhral on the Banihal–Ramban section, which includes road construction along with four bridges at an estimated cost of Rs 3.69 crore, is nearing completion. The foundations of all four bridges have been completed, while most of the surface work has also been finished. Balwinder Singh said that teams are working round the clock on the project, with a target to complete it by December 2026. Once completed, the four-lane highway will ensure a smoother, safer and incident-free journey for commuters travelling on this vital lifeline connecting Jammu with Kashmir.