Kulgam, Dec 15: In a major boost to infrastructure development in south Kashmir, construction work on two-lane NH444 from Pahloo to Lirow in Kulgam has entered an advanced stage and is firmly on track for completion by March 2026, the project is being executed at an estimated cost of ₹56 crore, officials confirmed on Monday.
Suhail Farooq Lone, Project Manager NH-444, said the project, which began in March 2024, spans 8.75 kilometres, including the strategically significant Brazloo Bridge. He said nearly 4 kilometres of road work is almost complete, while GSB and WMM layers have already been laid over 4–5 kilometres.
“378-metre-long Brazloo Bridge has achieved major construction milestones, with 13 structures already completed. Work on the superstructure is progressing at full pace, and out of 60 girders, 40 girders have been successfully launched and completed so far”, he said.
“Deck slab on the first span of the bridge is scheduled to be laid within the next two days, marking a critical phase in the project”, he added.
He said entire NH-444 project, including the Brazloo Bridge, will be completed by March 2026.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Amir Khan (IAS) told that “The project will connect two parts of the district across the Vaishav River. The highway bypass will significantly enhance connectivity within the district and also provide seamless linkage with NH-44 (Jammu–Srinagar National Highway),” he said.
