The Centre has approved 9000 crore rupees for four laning of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which would help in smooth traffic movement besides easing frequent traffic jams on the highway. The preliminary work of the project, which includes acquisition of land and forest clearance has almost completed. This was stated by the Minister for Roads and Buildings, Mr. G.M. Saroori while presiding over a high level officers meeting convened to review the pace of road projects and constructions of tunnels in the State by BEACON and SAMPARK. For four laning, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been divided into six phases, Qazigund-Banihal, Banihal-Ramban, Ramban-Nashri, Nashri-Chinani, Chanani-Uhdampur and Udhampur-Jammu. In all cases, 80% of the land has been acquired so far. 9 Kmr Qazigund-Banhihal long tunnel would be constructed at a cost of 2400 cores rupees. At Nashri-Chenani , a 8.75 kms long tunnel would also be constructed at a cost of 2100 crore rupees which on completion would reduce 60 Kms of travel distance between Jammu and Srinagar. The NHAI has already provided 275 crore rupees to Deputy Commissioners of Jammu , Udhampur and Anantnag for acquiring the land for the project. Of that 137 crore rupees have been paid as land compensation to the land owners and other cases are under process of acquisition and payment. <br/>