Srinagar, June 24, 2025 — In a landmark development for Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has greenlit the construction of National Highway 444 (NH-444), a 63-km corridor connecting Srinagar to Qazigund via Budgam and Pulwama. The ambitious project, featuring a 4-lane flyover from Nirman Complex Barzulla to Humhama Airport and a 4-lane highway with a median from Humhama to Budgam, Newa, Pulwama, and Qazigund, has been designated as a high-priority initiative. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary have been hailed for their efforts in championing this transformative infrastructure project, which promises to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and drive economic growth in Kashmir.
A New Lifeline for Kashmir
The NH-444 project is set to redefine travel in Jammu and Kashmir by providing an alternative to the congested NH-44 route. The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, Kashmir, has been directed to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to finalize the project’s alignment and cost estimates. The highway will feature a 4-lane flyover from Nirman Complex Barzulla to Humhama Airport, ensuring seamless access to Srinagar International Airport, followed by a 4-lane highway with a median through Hyderpora, Budgam, Chadoora, Newa, Pulwama, and terminating at Qazigund near the Jawahar Tunnel.
“This highway will be a game-changer for Kashmir, improving connectivity and fostering economic opportunities,” said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He thanked the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing the region’s infrastructure needs, emphasising the project’s role in supporting tourism and commerce.
Project Specifications
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | National Highway 444 (NH-444) |
| Route | Srinagar (Nirman Complex Barzulla) to Qazigund via Budgam, Pulwama |
| Total Length | 63 km |
| Components | 4-lane flyover (Barzulla to Humhama Airport); 4-lane highway with median (Humhama to Budgam, Newa, Pulwama, Qazigund) |
| Status | DPR preparation underway by R&B Kashmir |
| Priority | High-priority project |
| Key Stakeholders | Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, R&B Kashmir, NHAI |
| Objective | Enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and drive economic development |
Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
The NH-444 is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Srinagar and Qazigund, easing congestion on the existing NH-44 and improving access to key destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar International Airport. This aligns with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s vision to position Kashmir as a year-round tourism hotspot, complementing initiatives like the Gulmarg Convention Centre and the Khelo India Winter Games 2025. The highway will also enhance connectivity to rural areas like Budgam and Pulwama, fostering community engagement and enabling local businesses to thrive.
The project is part of a broader Rs 10,637 crore investment in road and tunnel projects across Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at transforming the region’s infrastructure. By facilitating smoother travel and safer roads, NH-444 will support adventure tourism, winter sports, and trade, reinforcing Kashmir’s economic resilience.
Public Enthusiasm and Support“Second Highway (NH-444) from Srinagar to Qazigund via Budgam. Thank you @OmarAbdullah, Surinder Choudhary. It’s a high-priority project!” Another user,@IfraJan_, confirmed, “The revised route through Hyderpora, Budgam, Chadoora, and Pulwama to Jawahar Tunnel is set to transform connectivity.” These sentiments reflect the public’s high expectations for the project’s impact on Kashmir’s development.
Local communities in Budgam and Pulwama anticipate improved access to markets, healthcare, and educational facilities, while tourism stakeholders see the highway as a catalyst for attracting more visitors to Gulmarg and other destinations.
A Step Toward a Prosperous Kashmir
The NH-444 project underscores the Jammu and Kashmir government’s commitment to infrastructure development as a driver of peace and prosperity. With the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) overseeing execution and the DPR in progress, the project is on track to deliver a modern, efficient corridor that will connect Kashmir’s urban and rural hubs. By enhancing connectivity, supporting tourism, and fostering economic growth, NH-444 is poised to be a cornerstone of Kashmir’s transformation into a vibrant, accessible region.
