The Union government has cleared the construction of two significant twin-tube tunnel projects on National Highway-244 in Jammu and Kashmir. The projects are expected to provide all-weather connectivity and reduce travel time in the mountainous terrain of the Chenab Valley region.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, approval was granted for the uni-directional twin-tube Sudhmahadev–Dranga Tunnels, measuring 12.85 km including two-lane plus paved shoulder approaches, and the twin-tube Singhpora–Vailoo Tunnel, spanning 38.61 km with similar approaches. The total estimated cost of the two projects stands at Rs 9,779.42 crore. The tunnels will be executed on the Engineering, Procurement and Construction mode.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Udhampur-Doda Member of Parliament Dr Jitendra Singh announced the development on April 14, describing it as heartening news for the districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur. He stated that the approval puts to rest rumours in recent months that the project had been abandoned. Dr Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising infrastructure issues related to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnels are located in the Udhampur district while the Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel will connect areas in Kishtwar district with parts of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. These alignments form part of efforts to develop an alternative and more reliable route along NH-244, bypassing difficult stretches with steep curves and seasonal disruptions.
National Highways Infrastructure Development Company Limited had prepared the detailed project reports for these tunnels. The projects address long-standing demands for improved road infrastructure in the Chenab Valley, where harsh winters and challenging geography often restrict movement. Once completed, the tunnels are expected to ensure smoother and safer passage for vehicles, supporting the movement of people and goods throughout the year.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the approval and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. He described the decision as a positive step for regional connectivity linking multiple districts across the Jammu region and south Kashmir.
MLA Doda West Shakti Raj Parihar also highlighted the development during a press conference, calling it a historic step towards enhanced connectivity and overall progress in Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur.
The Centre’s decision comes after earlier tenders for parts of the project were cancelled due to technical reasons. Officials indicated that fresh tenders will be invited soon following the Public Investment Board clearance. The tunnels are viewed as critical for economic activity, including tourism and local trade, in the Chenab Valley.
People from the Chenab region, referred to as Chenabi, have long awaited better all-weather road links. These projects are part of broader national highway development initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir aimed at bridging gaps in connectivity between the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
