In a significant development for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has approved the construction of the Chhatergala tunnel. This tunnel will form a crucial part of a new National Highway (NH) linking Lakhanpur with Doda via Basohli, Bani, and Bhaderwah. The project, to be executed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), will reduce the travel time between Lakhanpur and Doda to just four hours.
The approval came during a high-level meeting in Srinagar, chaired by Gadkari and attended by Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and senior officials from NHAI, NHIDCL, and the J&K Government.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his satisfaction with the approval, noting that the project would provide all-weather connectivity and significantly boost tourism and economic activities in the region. “The new highway will link Lakhanpur directly with Doda through Bani, Basohli, and Bhaderwah, enhancing accessibility and reducing travel time,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also emphasized the importance of this project, along with other ongoing infrastructure initiatives in the region. “We discussed critical projects including the Z-Morh Tunnel, Jammu Ring Road, and the four-laning of the Udhampur-Ramban road,” Sinha said. He highlighted the massive infrastructure push under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Gadkari, which has created new employment opportunities and significantly boosted the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Singh further elaborated on the project details, stating that the Chhatergala tunnel work, costing approximately Rs. 4,000 crore, will be executed by the NHAI. The new National Highway from Lakhanpur to Doda will commence construction at one end and proceed towards the tunnel site. Upon completion, this highway will be a game changer, providing seamless connectivity and boosting local business, employment, and revenue generation.
The meeting also addressed other infrastructure projects, including the construction of link roads to connect the villages of Bargana, Humble, and Kalotra to the Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Doda National Highway 244. Additionally, a part flyover will be constructed for the Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua to improve accessibility.
Dr. Singh highlighted the strategic importance of these projects, noting that they reflect the government’s commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed gratitude for the allocation of major highway projects to his constituency and assured that efforts would continue to expedite work on other significant projects such as the Delhi-Katra Express Corridor and the Kishtwar-Chatru National Highway section.
The Chenab Times News Desk