Srinagar, Nov 8: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is set for a colourful makeover as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) begins planting lavender along a 16-km stretch between Banihal and Qazigund.
The project aims to turn the busy mountain highway into a scenic and fragrant route that promotes aroma tourism and supports local farmers.
“The idea is to make our highways not just functional, but also beautiful and eco-friendly,” Project Director NHAI Shubham Yadav said. “Lavender cultivation will promote environmental beautification and aroma tourism, while also helping local communities earn more.”
The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM).
Under the plan, 200 kanal of land have been brought under lavender cultivation along the Banihal-Qazigund section.
Yadav said plantation work has already begun on both sides of the Qazigund-Banihal (Atal) Tunnel.
“A total of 23,000 lavender plants have been cultivated at the north portal and 29,000 plants at the south portal,” he said. “A total of 1 lakh lavender plants are to be planted overall.”
Officials said the stretch will become a major attraction for travellers and tourists once the lavender blooms.
The purple-blue flowers spread across both sides of the highway are expected to turn the area into a scenic corridor, enhancing the region’s natural beauty.
“Lavender fields create a stunning view, especially during the blooming season,” Yadav said. “Beautifully landscaped highways reflect good governance and environmental awareness, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.”
The project also carries economic potential.
Lavender, often called “purple gold” is in high demand for its essential oils and fragrance products.
Officials hope the move will encourage more farmers to adopt lavender cultivation, similar to the success in Bhaderwah, now known as India’s Lavender Valley.
If successful, the Banihal-Qazigund stretch could soon become one of the most picturesque highways in the Himalayas, where travellers drive through a ribbon of lavender under snow-clad peaks.
