What is NH 144A?
Location: Jammu to Rajouri and Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Establishment: Became a national highway in 2015.
Purpose: Connects Akhnoor, parts of Reasi district, Rajouri, and Poonch.
Why is NH 144A Upgraded?
Upgrade: From two lanes to four lanes.
Significance:
Enhanced connectivity for Rajouri, Poonch, Jammu, and Reasi districts.
Reduced travel time (Jammu-Poonch): From 6-7 hours to 4.5 hours.
Socio-economic growth in Jammu, Reasi, and Pir Panjal region.
Strategic: Swift movement of defense vehicles along the Line of Control.
Who is Implementing the Project?
Jammu to Akhnoor: National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Akhnoor to Poonch: Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under Project Sampark.
Project Timeline for Jammu-Akhnoor Stretch
Completion Target: March 2025.
Progress: Major work completed, including a 4.6-km flyover.
About Akhnoor to Poonch Stretch
Challenges: Mountainous Pir Panjal region, sharp curves.
Features:
4 tunnels reducing the road length by 32 km.
Travel time reduced to 4.5 hours.
SRIRAM’s: This detailed explanation captures the significance and scope of the NH 144A upgrade. Understanding this project is vital for civil service aspirants as it highlights India's infrastructure development strategy, especially in strategically important regions, encompassing aspects of national security, regional development, and connectivity enhancement.