Srinagar, Dec 11: The work on two vital road tunnels—the Mughal Road Tunnel and the Vailoo-Singpora Tunnel—is expected to commence soon and will bring much-needed relief for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, senior officials of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) said during meetings with Member of Parliament (MP) Mian Altaf Ahmad, who represents the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency.
Mian Altaf in a statement issued here said he met the Director General of BRO in New Delhi to discuss delays in critical infrastructure projects, including the Mughal Road Tunnel and other key highways overseen by the BRO. Following the meeting, Altaf said the DG assured him that construction on the Mughal Road Tunnel would begin soon, which will mark a transformative step in improving connectivity between south Kashmir and the Rajouri-Poonch region.
The Mughal Road, an ancient route of historical and economic significance, has been severely impacted by seasonal closures due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions. These disruptions hinder vehicular movement and economic activities between south Kashmir and the Rajouri-Poonch region.
“The construction of the Mughal Road Tunnel will address these issues and ensure year-round connectivity and promote socio-economic integration between the two regions,” the MP said, adding, “The BRO has also assured the completion of other priority projects, including roads from Akhnoor to Sundarbani and Manjakot to Poonch, as well as expedited work on the Thanamandi-Bafliaz road. Additionally, the Manjakot Tunnel project will also be taken up soon.”
In a separate meeting with NHIDCL officials, Altaf said there are delays in the construction of the Vailoo-Singpora Tunnel, which hold importance for the region. “The tunnel, which will connect Ahlan in the Vailoo area of Kokernag (Anantnag) to Chatroo in Kishtwar, would bypass a treacherous stretch of road and reduce the travel distance between the two districts,” he said.
The NHIDCL officials assured Mian Altaf that work on the tunnel would commence soon, the statement said. Once completed, the tunnel will provide an alternative to the frequently disrupted Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, reduce road accidents in the Chenab Valley, and boost tourism in the region.
“These tunnels are not just infrastructure projects; they are lifelines that will enhance connectivity, reduce isolation, and promote economic growth across Jammu and Kashmir,” MP Altaf said. He thanked the BRO and NHIDCL for their commitments and urged them to adhere to deadlines to expedite these critical projects for the benefit of the people.
