Jammu & Kashmir [India]: The inhospitable geographical terrain of Jammu and Kashmir is gradually moving towards a new era of connectivity. In this series, work is going on at a fast pace on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway connecting Katra in Jammu and Kashmir with Delhi. Union Minister of State for Home Jitendra Singh informed that the crucial Pathankot-Dayalachak section of the expressway, which is about 40 km long, is likely to be opened in December.
Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh posted on the social media platform ‘X’ today, Thursday, “Delhi-Katra Expressway Update. A major expansion of connectivity in the region. The nearly 40-km-long Pathankot-Dayalachak section of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway is expected to be opened by December. ”
“This will eliminate the need to pass through Lakhanpur toll plaza and reduce the travel time from 50-70 minutes to just 25-30 minutes,” he said in the X post. This is an important step towards making ‘Yatra Easy’, which has been a key feature of the Narendra Modi government. ”
The Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway is a 667-km-long greenfield highway that connects Delhi to Amritsar and Katra. It is being developed with the objective of providing faster road connectivity, reducing traffic congestion on NH-44 and facilitating access to major religious places including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.
The inauguration of key sections of this expressway in July 2026 marks a significant step towards improving connectivity between Delhi and Katra. It will halve the travel time from Delhi to Amritsar and from Delhi to Katra. With the completed sections, the travel time from Delhi to Katra is expected to be reduced from about 14 hours to about 6 hours. The corridor will facilitate movement of pilgrims as well as boost industrial activities along the route and freight and logistics.
[DD News]