The demand for the Sadhna Tunnel, , a vital all-weather link for the border town of Karnah and other remote areas of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, is growing louder as residents of continue to suffer extreme hardships due to seasonal road closures. The Sadhna Pass, situated at 10,269 feet, is blocked for almost six months every year due to heavy snowfall, avalanches, and landslides, effectively cutting off these areas from the rest of Kashmir.
Ghulam Mustafa, the former Sarpanch of Karnah, voiced the frustration of residents who endure months of isolation. “We are cut off from the rest of Kashmir for nearly half the year. Despite repeated promises from successive governments, the tunnel remains a distant dream. The administration must act now,” he urged.
The demand for all-weather connectivity has been raised consistently for over a decade, with locals and public representatives emphasising the urgent need for the Sadhna Tunnel.
In response to these concerns, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, acknowledged the project in 2021, assuring that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was under preparation. In March 2023, Gadkari confirmed that the feasibility study and survey were complete, with the project moving forward under the ‘Bharatmala Pariyojana’ to enhance infrastructure in border areas.
MLA Karnah, Javaid Ahmed Mirchal, shared a positive update, stating that the DPR is complete and construction is expected to begin in April. “This has been a decades-old demand, and we are hopeful that work will begin soon to finally address this critical issue,” Mirchal said.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has conducted initial surveys and proposed a Z-Morh-type tunnel, similar to the one in Sonamarg, to ensure year-round accessibility. However, the harsh winter conditions continue to make life extremely difficult for locals.
Residents of Karnah, Tangdhar, and nearby villages are speaking out about the devastating consequences of the ongoing isolation.
Muhammad Younis, a shopkeeper, lamented: “Every winter, we’re completely cut off. Essential supplies run out, medical emergencies become life-threatening, and students miss months of education. How much longer will we suffer this fate?”
Abdul Majid, a driver who frequently travels over the Sadhna Pass, shared his firsthand experience: “The winters here are a nightmare. People get stranded for days, and some have lost their lives in avalanches. The government must act now before another tragedy strikes.”
Shazia Bano, a local resident, described the dangers faced by pregnant women and patients: “During the winter, we have to carry critically ill patients on stretchers through snow for miles to reach medical care. A tunnel would save lives.”
The Sadhna Pass remains one of the most dangerous routes in the region. The tunnel project is seen as a vital solution to ease the isolation, improve medical access, and provide safe passage for essential goods. Despite years of official assurances, progress on the tunnel has been slow, with many residents arguing that immediate action is needed to ensure their safety and well-being.
