SRINAGAR: providing all-weather connectivity to Karnah in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, is currently at the stage of Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation, with no definitive timeline yet announced for the project’s execution or foundation laying.
Responding to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed that the DPR work for the tunnel project has already been awarded, and geotechnical and geophysical investigations, along with alignment selection, are presently underway.
The government clarified that decisions regarding project implementation and investment will be taken only after completion of the DPR, factoring in parameters such as connectivity requirements, traffic density, and integration with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
On safety concerns, the ministry disclosed that a total of 11 accidents were recorded on the Sadhna Pass and its approaches along NH-701 over the last three years (2023–2025), resulting in 4 fatalities, 17 grievous injuries, and 14 minor injuries. However, it noted that no separate data is maintained for incidents specifically caused by avalanches.
Addressing funding aspects, the Centre clarified that the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) does not cover Jammu and Kashmir, as it is exclusively meant for northeastern states.
Instead, funds for national highway development in Jammu and Kashmir are allocated collectively rather than on a project-specific basis. The government reported allocations of ₹7,370 crore in 2022-23, ₹10,528 crore in 2023-24, ₹10,331 crore in 2024-25, and ₹6,436 crore up to January in 2025-26, with expenditures largely matching allocations over the years.
