Srinagar, Mar 24: The government on Monday informed that bids for the construction of the Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel in south Kashmir’s Annatnag district were annulled due to administrative reasons. The tunnel was initially sanctioned under the Bharatmala Pariyojna Phase-1, which has since ceased to exist, as per a communication from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) dated August 8, 2024.
In a written to question of MLA Payare Lal Sharma, the house was informed that with the dissolution of Bharatmala Pariyojna Phase-1, the Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel now requires sanction under the NH(O) scheme of MoRTH.
“The matter has been escalated to MoRTH for re-sanction, with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) overseeing the process. Bids will be re-invited once the project receives formal approval from MoRTH,” it said.
The government also clarified that there are currently no proposals under consideration for the Changer, Bhoonda, Choidraman, Warwan, Dardpora, and Vailoo tunnels.
“The Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel is seen as a crucial infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity in the region. The government’s push for re-sanction under the NH(O) scheme underscores its commitment to advancing key transport projects despite administrative setbacks,” it said.
Earlier this year, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that many road corridors in J&K are currently under execution, including the Khanabal-Anantnag-Chenani corridor on NH-244. He referred to five upcoming tunnels planned for this corridor, including the Sudhmahadev Twin Tube Tunnels and the Singhpora Vailoo Twin Tube Tunnel.
The project, initially cleared in February 2017 after being taken up by the state government with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), faced multiple delays.
