Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD) In a significant boost to infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India has approved two key tunnel projects—Pir Ki Gali Tunnel on the Mughal Road and the Sadhna Tunnel in Karnah. These developments are expected to ensure round-the-year connectivity between Shopian and Rajouri districts, and to the landlocked Karnah Valley in Kupwara.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has sanctioned the projects with estimated costs of Rs 3,830 crore for Pir Ki Gali Tunnel and Rs 3,330 crore for Sadhna Tunnel.
Official sources confirmed that a high-level meeting will soon be convened with the Ministry of Defence to discuss execution and coordination aspects of both projects.
Furthermore, the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the tunnels will be transferred from the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
The projects are seen as critical to improving accessibility, reducing travel times, and supporting economic and emergency services in these strategically important areas. Once completed, the tunnels will drastically reduce winter closures caused by heavy snowfall and landslides, long considered a major hurdle for residents and commuters(DD)