From “Death Nullah” to Five-Minute Commutes: The NATM Engineering Marvel Transforming J&K’s NH-44

RAMBAN March 21, 2026:- The perilous “Khooni Nallah” stretch on National Highway 44, long feared for its fatal rockfalls and week-long traffic strandedness, is being consigned to history by the near-completion of the Digdol–Panthyal Twin Tube Tunnels.

Part of the ambitious four-laning of the Ramban-Banihal section, this ₹866.37 crore infrastructure project is a lifeline for the Jammu-Srinagar corridor, achieving a physical progress of 87.2% as of late March 2026.

Utilizing the advanced New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) to navigate the complex Himalayan geology, the twin tubes—measuring approximately 3 km for southbound and 2.6 km for northbound travel—effectively bypass landslide-prone slopes that once held commuters hostage for days.

For local residents like Ratan and Naresh from Digdol, the transformation is profound; a journey that used to be a gamble with time and safety is now a predictable five-minute transit, allowing children to return from school with more time for studies and ensuring the seamless movement of essential goods and security forces.

Beyond easing the daily commute, the project serves a critical strategic purpose by providing all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.

By routing vehicles through the heart of the mountains rather than along hazardous surface curves, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is significantly reducing the “shooting stone” risks that have plagued the region for decades.

This modernized corridor not only slashes travel time and vehicle operating costs for tourists and transporters but also bolsters national security by enabling rapid emergency response and troop movement.

As the final stages of excavation wrap up, the Digdol–Panthyal tunnels stand as a testament to engineering resilience, turning one of India’s most dangerous roads into a safe, rapid, and reliable gateway to the North.