Jammu: In a major infrastructure push for Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has approved the construction of two twin-tube tunnel projects on National Highway-244, with a combined investment of ₹9,779.42 crore, promising all-weather connectivity and faster economic growth in the Chenab Valley region.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh described the development as “heartening news” for the districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur, stating that the approval puts to rest rumours about the project being shelved.
The approved works include the uni-directional twin-tube Sudhmahadev–Dranga Tunnel spanning 12.85 km and the longer Singhpora–Vailoo Tunnel measuring 38.61 km, both designed with two lanes and paved shoulder approaches. These tunnels are expected to significantly cut travel time and ensure seamless connectivity across difficult mountainous terrain.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for prioritising the long-pending projects.
Omar said the tunnels would play a transformative role in strengthening connectivity, ensuring all-weather access and accelerating economic activity in the Chenab Valley and adjoining regions. He noted that delays in these key projects had been affecting the pace of development and limiting socio-economic opportunities in the region.
Recalling his earlier intervention, the Chief Minister said he had written to the Prime Minister and the Union minister in June last year, urging that the projects be taken up on priority under the National Highways (Original) scheme.
He had flagged that while other stretches of NH-244 were progressing, delays in these tunnels were hindering the expected benefits for the region.
The approval is being seen as a major step towards addressing long-standing connectivity challenges in the mountainous belt, with officials expecting the projects to open new avenues for trade, tourism and regional development across the Chenab Valley.
