Centre's mega infra push for J&K: Two strategic tunnels for all-weather connectivity in focus

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that the projects will significantly improve logistical support and troops mobility

The central government, earlier this week, sanctioned 19 major road and tunnel projects worth Rs 10,637 crore for Jammu and Kashmir. Among them are two tunnel projects and two roads that have received major attention due to their strategic importance.

They include the Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel, Sadhana tunnel, a 28-km road stretch from Zaznar-Shopian section of NH-701A and Trehgam Chamkote section of NH-701.

These new projects are of utmost importance given their strategic placement as part of the Centre’s efforts to develop border road infrastructure.

In 2024, the central government announced an ambitious highway project linking Jammu’s Rajouri and Poonch with the Kashmir valley through the existing Mughal road. The highway -- Surankote-Shopian-Baramulla-Uri -- which is 303 km long, is being constructed at the cost of Rs 10,000 crore and is expected to be completed by 2027.

At present, the Kashmir valley – from Qazigund in south Kashmir to Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla – is linked through just the NH44 national highway. During a crisis or a war-like situation, the highway could be subject to sabotage and as such the need for an alternative route was felt, The Indian Express reported.

The Mughal road, which happens to be an alternative route to the valley, it is generally closed in winters due to snowfall and avalanches. Therefore, the Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel, which will turn the Mughal road into an all-weather road, gains much prominence. “The tunnel on the Mughal Road is of crucial importance as it will provide year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu. It holds both strategic and commercial value,” Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah told Times of India.

The Sadhana tunnel – which will connect Kupwara with the border region of Karnah – is another important project. For soldiers, it will help in accessing the frontier region of Kupwara.

While the Peer-Ki-Gali and Sadhana tunnel were to be taken up by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) earlier, they will now be taken up by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Centre has announced.

Others projects include four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora, four-lane Magam Flyover on Narbal-Gulmarg section and Qazigund Bypass.

“In a major achievement, my government has got Rs 10,600 crore worth of road and tunnel projects approved by the Union government. I am grateful to PM Narendra Modi ji and MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari ji for their continued support as we try to steer J-K on a path of progress, development and connectivity,” Abdullah wrote on X.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that the projects will significantly improve logistical support and troops mobility. He further stated that the construction of tunnels will reduce the travel time, ensure all-weather connectivity as well as spur economic growth.