Commuters and pilgrims heading to Jammu and Kashmir are set to experience a significant reduction in travel time and traffic congestion with the upcoming opening of the Pathankot–Dayalachak stretch of the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced that this crucial nearly 40-kilometer segment is anticipated to be operational by December of this year. This development promises to bypass the often-congested Lakhanpur toll plaza, a bottleneck for many travelers. The journey, which currently can take between 50 to 70 minutes, is expected to be shortened to approximately 25 to 30 minutes upon completion of this section.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the project’s importance in enhancing regional connectivity, stating in a post on X that the opening of the Pathankot–Dayalachak stretch represents a major boost to the region. He further emphasized that this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to providing ‘ease of travel.’ The ongoing construction of the broader expressway has contributed to considerable delays on the existing National Highway, with journeys from Lakhanpur in Kathua district to Jammu sometimes exceeding two hours during peak traffic periods. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the completion of this segment will alleviate these persistent issues.
The Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway is a large-scale infrastructure project being developed in five distinct packages under the comprehensive Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative within Jammu and Kashmir. Once the entire expressway is completed, it is projected to substantially improve connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. This enhanced connectivity is expected to provide a significant impetus to various sectors, including tourism, trade, and overall economic activity in the Union Territory. The project’s phased development aims to gradually ease the travel experience for all users.
Official records indicate that construction on Package 14, which encompasses the Pathankot–Dayalachak section, commenced in September 2022. This particular stretch spans 44.6 kilometers and has a project cost of Rs 3,044 crore. The physical progress on this segment has reached an advanced stage, with 92 percent of the work already completed. This high percentage of completion underscores the nearing operational readiness of this vital link.
Further along the expressway, Package 15, covering a 35.15-kilometer stretch from Gurha Baildaran to Jakh, has also demonstrated substantial progress, achieving 91 percent completion. This segment, with a project cost of Rs 2,715 crore, is designed to connect directly to the Jammu Ring Road. Its anticipated completion is scheduled for April 2027, marking another significant milestone in the expressway’s overall development.
Package 16, extending from Jakh to Kunjwani, is nearing its final stages of construction, having achieved an impressive 96 percent completion. This 20.39-kilometer section, estimated to cost Rs 1,917 crore, is expected to be fully completed by March 2027. The rapid progress on these packages indicates a concerted effort to expedite the project’s delivery.
Package 17 is a more extensive section, comprising the Kunjwani–Sidhra and Domel–Katra segments, with a combined length of 26.8 kilometers. This package, carrying a project cost of Rs 2,895 crore, has seen 69 percent physical progress. Its completion is scheduled for November 2027, contributing to the seamless flow of traffic towards the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra.
The final package, Package 18, connects Sidhra, situated on the outskirts of Jammu city, to Ban village. This 15.3-kilometer stretch is being developed at a cost of Rs 975 crore and has recorded 72 percent physical progress. Construction on this section began in November 2023, and it is expected to be completed by June 2027. The phased completion of these various packages is crucial for gradually easing traffic congestion, significantly reducing travel times, and improving overall accessibility to Jammu and the important pilgrimage site of Katra.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.