Proposal for Keran-Jumgund tunnel to be forwarded to MORTH: Dy CM

Srinagar, March 04: The Jammu and Kashmir government will take up the demand for constructing a tunnel on the road connecting Keran and Jumgund in Kupwara with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Deputy Chief Minister said on Monday.
He said that a Detailed Project Report would be prepared and forwarded to the concerned authorities.
Responding to a question by MLA Mir Saifullah, the Deputy CM said that Keran is currently connected to the rest of Jammu and Kashmir via the Pharkiyan Gali-Keran road (46.76 km), which is maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). However, during winter, the road remains partially closed due to heavy snowfall, and snow clearance is regularly carried out by BRO to keep the route accessible.
He further said that the PMGSY road from Zirhama to Jumgund (25 km) is a high-altitude route where snow clearance is challenging, especially beyond the first 6 km. Heavy snowfall, poor visibility, avalanches, and frost action make it difficult to keep the road open, particularly between the 17th and 20th km markers.
At present, no alternative roads exist for the people of Keran and Jumgund, making the construction of a tunnel crucial for ensuring year-round connectivity, he added.