Pilgrims and Patriots: The Dual Mission of the Delhi–Katra Corridor

The Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway, India’s fifth major access-controlled corridor, is slated for completion by March 2027, according to a senior official of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Once operational, the expressway is expected to substantially boost regional connectivity, strengthen religious tourism, and enhance strategic mobility for the armed forces. The project will shorten the Delhi–Katra distance from 727 km to 588 km, reducing travel time from nearly 14 hours to about six hours. Given its alignment near sensitive border areas in Jammu and Kashmir, the corridor will also enable quicker deployment and improved logistics for defence forces.

To execute complex elevated stretches — including a 21.5-km section along Jammu–Samba — engineers are using advanced segmental bridge construction technology previously deployed in projects such as the Delhi Metro and the Dwarka Expressway, ensuring minimal disruption to existing traffic.

Ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, NHAI is targeting completion of nearly 30 km of the Jammu–Kathua stretch before the pilgrimage commences this year.

Rajiv Kumar, Project Director, NHAI (Project Implementation Unit Jammu), said construction was severely affected last year following Operation Sindoor and subsequent heavy rains and flooding. However, work has since regained momentum, with the revised deadline for completion set for March 2027.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.