Project to Boost Connectivity and Religious Tourism

The Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway, National Expressway 5 (NE5), is scheduled for completion by March 2027, a NHAI official confirmed on Wednesday. Construction, which began in April 2021, was delayed last year by Operation Sindoor and heavy rains and floods in northern states.

Dekhi to Katra in Just 6 Hours

Upon completion, the expressway will shorten the Delhi–Katra distance from 727 km to 588 km. Consequently, travel time will reduce from 14 hours to about six hours. It is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and mobility.

Rajiv Kumar, project director at NHAI (Project Implementation Unit Jammu), said, “Construction of the expressway was hit badly last year in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and later by heavy rains and flooding. But the work has gathered pace again. The deadline for its completion has been fixed for March next year.”

Pilgrimage Corridor Connectivity

The expressway has been conceptualised as a religious corridor, linking two major pilgrimage sites. These are Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab, and the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. Devotees now use rail or air travel but the expressway will provide a third option, cutting travel to six hours.

Construction Challenges

Mr. Kumar highlighted last year’s hurdles: “We had only five to six months of effective work last year. One of the biggest challenges was retaining manpower during tense security situations. Many workers left due to safety concerns and had to be persuaded to return. Additionally, heavy rains washed away two bridges, severely disrupting supply lines.”

Strategic Importance for Defence

The corridor runs close to sensitive border areas in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing strategic mobility. “Running parallel to sensitive border areas, the corridor is expected to facilitate faster deployment and improved mobility for defence forces,” Mr. Kumar said.

Advanced Construction Techniques

The project uses advanced segmental bridge construction technology, previously applied on the Delhi Metro and Dwarka Expressway. Packages 15 and 16 along the Jammu–Samba stretch include an elevated corridor of nearly 21.5 km. This method allowed construction to continue without disrupting traffic.

Ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, NHAI aims to complete nearly 30 km of the Jammu–Kathua stretch. This project is planned to finish before the pilgrimage begins later this year.