Rajouri: The Jammu–Rajouri–Poonch highway is witnessing a major transformation under the Central Government’s infrastructure drive, promising faster travel, safer roads and new economic opportunities for border districts in Jammu and Kashmir.
Modern Roads, Bridges and Tunnels Take Shape
In Rajouri’s Manjakote region, large-scale projects including bypass roads, double-lane highways, bridges and tunnels are progressing rapidly with strong central funding. The upgrades mark a significant shift from narrow, unsafe roads that once dominated the region.
Travel Time Slashed, Connectivity Boosted
With the completion of these projects, travel time between Jammu and Poonch is expected to drop from 8–10 hours to nearly five hours. The National Highway 144A Megha project will further reduce the Rajouri–Jammu journey to about 2.5 hours, easing travel for thousands of commuters.
Economic Growth and Jobs for Locals
The improved highway network is already generating employment for local youth and is expected to boost tourism in the Pir Panjal region. Residents have welcomed the changes, calling them historic and crediting the Centre for bringing development to long-neglected border areas.