JAMMU, June 09: A new two-lane tube tunnel is set to be constructed parallel to the existing Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel on the Chenani-Nashri route along National Highway 44 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement aims to significantly ease traffic congestion on this vital national highway.
The Chenab Times has learned that the proposal for this new tunnel has been approved following a request made by Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Dr Jitendra Singh. He shared this development on his social media platforms, expressing gratitude to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, for their cooperation.
Dr Jitendra Singh stated that the construction of the additional tunnel would address the increasing volume of traffic on the route and ensure a smoother and more convenient travel experience for commuters. The Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, formerly known as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 2, 2017.
The existing 9-kilometer-long, state-of-the-art tunnel connects the Udhampur district with the Ramban district in Jammu. It holds the distinction of being the longest tunnel of its kind in India, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹2,500 crore. This infrastructure project has been instrumental in reducing the road distance by approximately 31 kilometers and cutting down travel time by nearly two hours between the two districts.
In a separate but related development, Dr Jitendra Singh also thanked Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving a special train service between Jammu and Haridwar. This special train is intended to operate on June 14, 2026, from Jammu to Haridwar, with its return journey on June 15, 2026, coinciding with the Amavasya (new moon) day, a significant occasion for pilgrims.
The Union Minister highlighted this as another positive development for residents of Kathua, Hiranagar, and Jammu. He further remarked that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the past 12 years, no significant demand from the region has gone unmet, underscoring a commitment to developmental progress and public service.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
