In a renewed push for secure, year-round connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre is set to revisit financial clearances for two key tunnel projects, Singhpora-Vailoo and Sudhmahadev-Dranga. This comes as part of renewed efforts on all-weather connectivity for Jammu and Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.Both projects, which aim to create an alternative link between Jammu and Srinagar via National Highway 244, have been awaiting clearance for over a decade. The revised proposals are expected to be taken up by the Public Investment Board (PIB) in its next meeting, according to sources quoted by ET.Though the tunnels had already received defence and environmental clearances, PIB had earlier rejected them during a meeting on March 22 due to concerns over high cost estimates, pegged at around Rs 8,900 crore, and overbuilt structural elements. However, the plan has now been reworked to address these issues and bring down the overall cost.Tunnel details, connectivity impactThe projects hold significant strategic importance, especially for troop movement and safer connectivity to border areas. Compared to the existing Jammu-Srinagar NH 44, which runs closer to the Line of Control and is more prone to terror threats, these tunnels would offer safer, all-weather routes.The Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel, nearly 10 km long, aims to connect Ahlan in Kokernag with Chatroo in Kishtwar. It would bypass the treacherous 12,000-feet Sinthan Pass on the current Anantnag-Kokernag-Kishtwar route, which is frequently blocked by snow or heavy rain. Once completed, the tunnel will provide round-the-year connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the Chenab region, including Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Udhampur, and Reasi—key areas for mineral mining.The Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnel is planned as an 8 km unidirectional route that would cut the distance between Sudhmahadev in Udhampur and Khellani in Doda from 100 km to just 32 km. The existing Goha-Khellani road is prone to accidents and landslides. The new alignment is expected to improve travel safety and significantly reduce time and transport costs for local trade.Mughal route to reclaim historic roleThe Union government’s broader push also includes 19 major road and tunnel projects worth Rs 10,637 crore, one of the most prominent being the Peer Ki Gali tunnel on the historic Mughal Road, connecting Shopian in the Kashmir Valley with Poonch in Jammu. Once built, the tunnel will make the 84-km Mughal Road an all-weather route, providing a crucial alternative to NH-44.While the project was initially started in the 1970s under Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, and revived in 2003 by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, traffic was only allowed by 2009, under his tenure. However, the road still closes in winter due to heavy snowfall at Peer Ki Gali and Bafliaz. Among the other approved projects is the Sadhana Tunnel, estimated at Rs 3,330 crore, to connect Kupwara with the border region of Karnah, bringing much-needed relief to residents in this remote northern area.
