The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is a critical transportation route that connects Jammu to Srinagar, passing through key districts such as Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, Anantnag, and Pulwama. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the highway is a popular choice for road trips but is also prone to seasonal closures due to landslides and snowfall.

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Distance and Route Details

• Starting Point: Jammu City
• Ending Point: Lal Chowk, Srinagar
• Total Distance: 243.3 km
• Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours 12 minutes (via NH 244A and NH 44)

Click here to view route map on Google.

Key Sections of the Highway

1. Jammu to Ramban – Covers 121 km in approximately 2 hours 44 minutes.
2. Ramban to Srinagar – Covers 135.6 km in approximately 2 hours 56 minutes.

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Important Features of the Route

• The highway traverses through the Kashmir Valley for the first 68 km (up to Qazigund) before entering mountainous regions.
• It includes high-elevation sections with significant climbs.
• The highway is prone to landslides, particularly during monsoon and winter seasons, causing periodic road closures.

Major Cities and Destinations Covered

The Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes through several key cities, including:

• Jammu
• Udhampur
• Ramban
• Qazigund
• Srinagar

Other notable locations along the highway include Anantnag, Domel, and Pulwama.

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Major Tunnels on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway

Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel (Chenani-Nashri Tunnel)

• Length: 9 km (India’s longest highway tunnel, also Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel)
• Location: Between Udhampur and Ramban

Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel (Banihal to Jammu Distance)

• Length: 8.5 km
• Elevation: 1,790 meters in the Pir Panjal Range
• Connects: Banihal to Qazigund

Banihal to Jammu distance: 3 hr 37 min (152.6 km) via NH 244A and NH 44

Jawahar Tunnel (Banihal Tunnel)

• Length: 2.85 km
• Facilitates: All-season connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar
• Location: Between Banihal and Qazigund

Nandni Tunnels

• Total Length: 1.4 km
• Purpose: Reduces travel time between Jammu and Srinagar
• Location: Under the Nandni Wildlife Sanctuary in Udhampur

Important Facts About the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway

• The NH-44 provides year-round connectivity, except during extreme weather conditions.
• It serves as a strategic trade and military route.
• The road passes through some of the most scenic yet challenging terrains, requiring regular maintenance.

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway: Traffic Control and Emergency Contact Information

Traffic conditions can be monitored via control rooms or traffic control and emergency assistance on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), here’s a summary of contact information:

• Srinagar Traffic Control Room: 0194-2450022
• Jammu Traffic Control Room: 0194-2459048, 9419147732
• Pulwama Traffic Control Room: 01933-247369
• Ramban: 9419993745

Toll Free number: 18001807091

For traffic control and emergency assistance on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), here’s a summary of contact information: Jammu Traffic Control Unit: 0191-2459048, 9419147732; Srinagar Traffic Control Unit: 0194-2450022, 2485396.

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Toll Plazas: Toll Rates on Jammu-Srinagar Highway

Between Jammu-Srinagar Highway, you’ll encounter toll plazas at Bann, Mada, Banihal and Ujroo. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Bann Toll Plaza: ₹170
• Mada Toll Plaza: ₹165
• Banihal Toll Plaza: ₹40
• Ujroo Toll Plaza: ₹155
• Kachkoot Toll Plaza: ₹120

Note: Toll rates for light motor vehicles (subject to change)

Popular Stopovers for Food and Sightseeing

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway: Best Places to See, Eat & Relax

1. Jagti Area: Home to IIT and IIM Jammu; emerging as a food hub.
2. Nandni: Famous for tea breaks and delicious pakoras.
3. Domel: Known for Punjabi Haveli, a popular North Indian restaurant.
4. Sarmuli: Famous for Kalari, a local cheese delicacy.
5. Kud Market: Known for Patisa sweets; ideal for meals and tea breaks.
6. Patnitop: A scenic hill station with hotels and restaurants.
7. Batote: A great resting point for travelers.
8. Peera: Famous for Rajma Chawal at Sharma Dhaba.
9. Jawahar Tunnel: Entry point to the Kashmir Valley.
10. Ramban: Popular local market with delicious sweets.
11. Banihal: Small yet significant town known for its tea stalls.
12. Qazigund: Famous for cricket bats and dry fruits.
13. Titanic Viewpoint: Offers a mesmerizing view of the Kashmir Valley.

Connectivity to Katra (Vaishno Devi Temple)

• The Jammu-Katra-Srinagar Highway (NH-44) provides seamless road connectivity from Domel to Katra, covering 45 km in approximately 1 hour 6 minutes.

Read also: Vaishno Devi Train Services: Complete Travel Guide for Pilgrims

Travel Advisory for the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway

• The highway remains open for two-way traffic during the day, but authorities advise against night travel due to risks like landslides and falling rocks, particularly between Ramban and Banihal.
• Regular updates from traffic control rooms are recommended before planning your journey.

Click here and Stay updated with the latest weather and forecast for Jammu & Kashmir.

This comprehensive guide ensures that travelers and commuters stay well-informed about the latest conditions, must-visit stops, and essential travel tips for the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.