JAMMU — A central government panel has rejected proposals for the construction of two key tunnels—Singhpora-Vailoo and Sudhmahadev-Dranga—along the Anantnag-Chenani corridor in Jammu and Kashmir, citing high costs, lack of strategic importance, and availability of alternative road connectivity.
The Public Investment Board (PIB), headed by the expenditure secretary, declined to clear the Rs 8,900 crore projects in a recent meeting, raising multiple concerns. These included the absence of traffic data, the existence of functional roads connecting the proposed origin and destination points, and the fact that the tunnels are not classified as strategic routes under the Defence Ministry.
The move follows the earlier cancellation of bidding for the Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel after the Union Home Ministry denied security clearance to the lowest foreign bidder. NHIDCL, which proposed the tunnels under the Road Transport Ministry, had invited bids in 2023.
With a standing directive from the Finance Ministry restricting new approvals under the Bharatmala programme, all highway projects exceeding Rs 1,000 crore now require clearance from both the PIB and the Cabinet. TOI reported that the inter-ministerial appraisal panel found no direct or demonstrable public benefit justifying the tunnels’ construction.
“This development raises questions about how many other projects may have been cleared previously without comprehensive scrutiny,” said a senior official involved in the process.
The decision has sparked political criticism, particularly from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which termed it a serious setback for the Chenab Valley—home to Doda and Kishtwar districts. PDP leader and former legislator Advocate Firdous Tak condemned the rejection as a “betrayal” of the region’s aspirations.
“These are not just infrastructure projects. They are vital to the socio-economic survival of the region, which remains cut off for months each year due to harsh terrain and inclement weather,” Tak said.
The Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel would have provided an all-weather connection between Chenab Valley and Kashmir, reducing reliance on the Sinthan Top route, which is frequently closed in winter. Similarly, the Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnel was intended to significantly cut travel time from Doda and Kishtwar to Jammu, the administrative and economic center of the region.
While expansion work on NH-244 is ongoing, local residents and leaders argue that the tunnels would have offered safer and more reliable year-round alternatives. Frequent landslides, fatal accidents, and seasonal isolation continue to plague the area.
Tak also criticized the BJP and National Conference, accusing both of political complacency. “They watched silently while projects crucial to Chenab Valley’s future were sidelined. Other regions have benefitted from flagship tunnels like Chenani-Nashri. Why not Chenab Valley?”
Despite Union Government claims of prioritizing 33 tunnel projects across J&K—15 of which are reportedly completed—the Singhpora-Vailoo and Sudhmahadev-Dranga proposals have been left out, fueling resentment.
Tak called on all political parties and civil society in the region to unite in demanding infrastructure justice and warned of growing frustration among the region’s youth if development disparities persist.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
