Vinay Kumar
NEW DELHI: Cabinet Friday approved two strategic tunnel projects and the approach roads on NH-244 in J&K at an estimated cost of around Rs 9,800 crore to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir Valley and Jammu region while improving access to Chenab Valley.The projects comprise Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel and Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnel, along with their approach roads, on the Anantnag-Chenani corridor. These are expected to strengthen road connectivity in Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur districts, and reduce travel time.While the 39-km Singhapora-Vailoo stretch will have 10-km unidirectional twin-tube tunnels, the 13-km Sudhmahadev–Dranga section will have 8-km twin tube tunnels. The projects would be completed in five years and these will be fully Centre-funded.The tunnels are aimed at bypassing difficult stretches of NH-244 that are frequently affected by snowfall, landslides and adverse weather, disrupting traffic and isolating several areas during the winter months. Once completed, the projects will provide a safer and more efficient route for commuters, tourists and freight movement.
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Officials said the projects would boost regional connectivity by ensuring year-round access to remote districts, facilitating faster movement of essential goods and emergency services. Improved road infrastructure is also expected to promote tourism, trade and economic activity in the Chenab Valley, besides creating employment opportunities during the construction phase.The tunnel projects form part of the Centre’s broader strategy to modernise transport infrastructure in J&K and improve connectivity to border and hilly regions. Govt has undertaken several major road projects in the Union Territory, including the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, the Zojila Tunnel and the Z-Morh Tunnel, to provide seamless and all-weather road links.
