New tube tunnel to ease traffic congestion and strengthen connectivity on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
JAMMU, June 9: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced that the Centre has approved a proposal for the construction of a new two-lane tube tunnel parallel to the existing Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel on the Chenani-Nashri section of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
Describing the approval as “another good news for Udhampur,” the Union Minister expressed gratitude to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for accepting the proposal aimed at easing the growing traffic pressure on the strategic highway.
“Thanks to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari for accepting our request and proposing the construction of a new two-lane tube tunnel parallel to the existing Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel on the Chenani-Nashri route along NH-44 in Jammu and Kashmir. This will ease the increasing rush of traffic on this section and ensure ease of travel,” Singh said in a post on X.
The proposed tunnel will run alongside the existing Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, which serves as a crucial link between Udhampur and Ramban districts on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that the tunnel, formerly known as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 2, 2017. The 9.28-kilometre-long twin-tube tunnel, constructed through the lower Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 1,200 metres, significantly reduced travel distance and time between Jammu and Srinagar while providing all-weather connectivity.
In October 2019, the tunnel was renamed in honour of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Officials said the proposed parallel tunnel is expected to substantially increase traffic-handling capacity on one of the country’s most important highway corridors. It will also improve road safety, facilitate smoother vehicular movement and provide greater operational resilience on the strategic route connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway serves as the primary surface link between Kashmir and the rest of India and carries heavy passenger and freight traffic throughout the year.
The approval of the additional tunnel is being viewed as a major infrastructure initiative aimed at addressing future traffic demands while further strengthening connectivity and transportation efficiency on NH-44.
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