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The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44), a crucial link connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India, was envisioned as a modern all-weather expressway. However, this ambitious project has been marred by a series of setbacks, transforming it into a symbol of engineering failures, environmental neglect, and policy oversights. The highway, vital for trade, transport, tourism, and security, has been subjected to significant financial investments and ambitious plans for upgradation. Yet, the recurring collapses and disruptions highlight the deep-seated issues plaguing its construction and maintenance. The initial design and execution phases of the project were riddled with flaws, particularly in the Ramban-Banihal stretch, which proved to be the most challenging and dangerous portion. The original Detailed Project Report (DPR) proposed expanding the highway by cutting vertical slopes along the existing route, a method undertaken without comprehensive geotechnical investigations. This approach led to large-scale hill cutting, which destabilized the region’s fragile slopes and triggered a series of devastating landslides. The consequences of this flawed planning were severe, causing irreversible environmental damage and rendering the terrain vulnerable to frequent slips and collapses. The realization of these failures prompted the government to hire a new consultant who prepared a revised DPR based on detailed studies of the region’s geology. The updated plan recommended the construction of five tunnels to safely bypass the most dangerous sections of the road. While this seemed like a positive step towards rectifying the initial mistakes, progress continued to be hampered by further engineering failures and natural disasters. The Cafeteria Morh tunnel project, aimed at bypassing a well-known slide zone, collapsed in 2023 due to weak geological conditions, leading to cracks within the tunnel structure and halting work. Alternative solutions, such as a canopy structure, also faced complications, demonstrating the persistent challenges in managing the region’s complex geology. In March 2025, persistent rainfall caused the road in the area to sink, reducing movement to a single lane and exposing the inadequacies of both the original and revised designs. Experts have argued that a more effective solution would have been to extend the Ramban viaduct instead of disturbing the already unstable area. Similarly, in the Seri region of Ramban, slope protection measures such as rock bolting, geomats, and mesh netting were installed. However, during recent rainfall, a massive landslide wiped out the work of the past three years, raising serious questions about whether the work was carried out as per design specifications or if the latest DPR had again underestimated the geological complexity. The Kela Morh and Panthal areas, notorious for frequent landslides, have experienced multiple collapses despite the installation of tunnels and canopy structures. During the latest rainfall, even these protections failed, resulting in the destruction of infrastructure and, tragically, loss of life. In some places, such as Battery Chashma, the road has been completely washed away, leading to vehicles plunging into deep gorges. These recurring failures have sparked outrage and concern among locals and commuters alike, raising questions about the accountability and effectiveness of the project. The broader question looms large: after spending thousands of crores on NH-44’s upgradation, why does the infrastructure fail within months or a year of completion? The causes could range from flawed engineering to poor project reports, or a lack of monitoring and accountability. While punitive actions such as blacklisting consultants may help enforce standards, they do not compensate for the lives lost or the daily hardships faced by people using this critical route.
The current state of NH-44 highlights the critical need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive zones. The government must accept the ground reality and implement a stricter framework for road construction. DPRs must be based on thorough scientific studies, and consultants must be held accountable for lapses. Construction work must adhere rigorously to design specifications, and regular audits should be made mandatory. Furthermore, alternative routes must be developed to reduce dependency on a single corridor, especially in a region as vital and vulnerable as Jammu and Kashmir. The Public Investment Board (PIB)’s rejection of a proposal for two new tunnel projects on NH-244 (Chenani–Anantnag Section), reasoning that NH-44 already provides adequate year-round connectivity, appears not only misinformed but dangerously shortsighted in light of the current events. The recurring failures of NH-44 underscore the importance of considering the long-term environmental and geological impacts of construction projects. The initial focus on quick solutions and cost-cutting measures has ultimately led to more significant problems and greater expenses. A more sustainable approach would involve investing in comprehensive geological surveys, adopting environmentally friendly construction practices, and implementing robust monitoring and maintenance programs. The use of innovative technologies and materials that are better suited to the region’s challenging terrain should also be explored. Additionally, community involvement and consultation should be an integral part of the planning and decision-making process. Local knowledge and expertise can provide valuable insights into the region’s unique geological and environmental conditions, helping to identify potential risks and develop more effective solutions. The lessons learned from the NH-44 project can inform future infrastructure development projects in other ecologically sensitive regions. By prioritizing sustainability, accountability, and community involvement, it is possible to build resilient and reliable infrastructure that benefits both the environment and the people it serves.
Ultimately, NH-44 was envisioned as a symbol of modern connectivity and progress. However, unless serious steps are taken to address the recurring failures and systemic weaknesses, the highway risks becoming a grim reminder of what happens when ambition overtakes accountability, and when engineering ignores the environment. The need of the hour is not just road construction, but responsible, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure development—because the cost of negligence is being paid in lives. The ongoing problems with NH-44 serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the potential consequences of neglecting environmental and geological considerations in infrastructure development. The initial decision to cut vertical slopes without proper geotechnical investigations proved to be a critical error, leading to widespread landslides and instability. This highlights the importance of conducting thorough scientific studies before undertaking any major construction project, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas. The subsequent attempts to rectify the initial mistakes, such as the construction of tunnels and canopy structures, have also faced significant challenges, demonstrating the complexity of the region’s geology and the need for innovative engineering solutions. The collapse of the Cafeteria Morh tunnel and the failure of slope protection measures in the Seri region underscore the importance of rigorous quality control and adherence to design specifications. The lack of accountability and monitoring has also contributed to the problems, allowing substandard work to go unchecked and leading to further failures. To prevent similar issues in the future, it is essential to establish a robust framework for monitoring and enforcing quality standards. This should include regular audits, independent inspections, and strict penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, it is crucial to invest in training and capacity building for engineers and construction workers, ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge to implement sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions. The development of alternative routes and transportation options is also essential to reduce dependency on a single corridor and mitigate the impact of disruptions on NH-44. This could involve improving existing roads, building new highways, or investing in rail and air transportation. The goal should be to create a diversified transportation network that provides reliable and efficient connectivity for the region, even in the face of natural disasters or other unforeseen events. In conclusion, the NH-44 project serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of sustainable infrastructure development. By prioritizing environmental and geological considerations, investing in rigorous quality control, and promoting accountability and transparency, it is possible to build resilient and reliable infrastructure that benefits both the environment and the people it serves.