Jammu/New Delhi, April 14:
In a major infrastructure push for Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India has approved the construction of two strategic tunnel projects on National Highway-244, aimed at ensuring seamless all-weather connectivity in the Chenab Valley region.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for consistently prioritising the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Describing the decision as a major milestone for Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur districts, Sharma said the project reflects the Centre’s commitment to transforming connectivity and accelerating economic growth in the region.
As per official details, the approved works include the 12.85-kilometre Sudhmahadev–Dranga uni-directional twin tube tunnel and the 38.61-kilometre Singhpora–Vailoo twin tube tunnel along NH-244. The combined cost of the projects is estimated at ₹9,779.42 crore.
Both tunnels will be constructed using the twin-tube configuration, with one tube dedicated to each direction of traffic, significantly enhancing safety and traffic flow. The projects also include two-lane (2L) approach roads along with parallel service (PS) infrastructure, ensuring smooth connectivity to the tunnel portals.
Officials said the tunnels will be equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems, including cross-passages for emergency evacuation, advanced ventilation systems, fire detection and suppression mechanisms, CCTV-based surveillance, and intelligent traffic management systems in line with international standards.
The tunnels are expected to be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode, which allows for faster implementation through single-point responsibility. Given the challenging Himalayan terrain and complex geology, the construction timeline is projected at 5 to 7 years.
NH-244 serves as a critical alternative route to the heavily burdened NH-44. The new tunnels will bypass the snow-bound Sinthan Pass, which remains closed for nearly six months each year, thereby ensuring uninterrupted connectivity between Anantnag and Kishtwar districts.
The project also holds strategic significance, as NH-244 is the only national highway connecting the districts of Doda and Kishtwar with the rest of Jammu and Kashmir. Improved road infrastructure will facilitate faster movement of security forces and strengthen logistical capabilities in sensitive areas.
In addition, the upgraded corridor will support major hydropower projects in the Chenab basin, including Pakal Dul and Ratle, which are crucial for the region’s energy and economic development.
Officials further noted that with the completion of these tunnels, the overall travel distance along the route is expected to be reduced by nearly 58 kilometres, resulting in substantial savings in travel time, fuel consumption, and transportation costs.
Once completed, the Sudhmahadev–Dranga and Singhpora–Vailoo tunnels are expected to revolutionise connectivity in the Chenab Valley, providing a safer, faster and reliable all-weather transport corridor while unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism and regional integration.
