‘Lifelines, not just roads’ : Centre clears two mega tunnels in Chenab Valley

• By Abid Bashir
• Comments 0
• 15 Apr 2026

CM thanks PM, Gadkari

Srinagar, Apr 14: In what is being hailed as a watershed moment for the Chenab Valley, the Centre has revived and advanced two crucial tunnel projects on National Highway-244, breathing new life into long-pending plans aimed at transforming connectivity in the mountainous districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur.

The renewed momentum follows a key clearance by the Public Investment Board (PIB) during its meeting held on April 7, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Department of Expenditure. The proposal, submitted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, pertains to the construction of the Sudhmahadev–Dranga and Singhpora–Vailoo twin-tube tunnels on EPC mode.

As per an Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry of Finance on April 13, 2026, the minutes of the meeting have been formally circulated after securing the approval of the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, marking a significant step forward in the administrative approval process for the ambitious infrastructure venture.

Together stretching over 50 kilometres, the tunnels are poised to redefine mobility across some of the most rugged and weather-prone stretches of Jammu and Kashmir. The Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnel, spanning 12.85 km, and the Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel, extending 38.61 km, will provide seamless, all-weather connectivity and drastically cut travel time between the Chenab Valley and South Kashmir.

The development comes close on the heels of Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, describing the move as “heartening news” for the region. He underscored that the projects would open up some of the most inaccessible terrains, while dispelling speculation that the initiative had been shelved.

Beyond improved connectivity, the projects are expected to act as economic catalysts—facilitating smoother transportation of goods, boosting trade, and unlocking tourism potential in the scenic yet underexplored Chenab Valley. Enhanced access to healthcare, education and essential services is also anticipated to significantly improve the quality of life for residents.

On the ground, the announcement has sparked hope and optimism. Pervez Ahmad, a resident of Doda, welcomed the move, saying it addresses a long-standing demand of the region.

“Every winter and during harsh weather, we face immense hardship due to road closures. These tunnels are not just roads through mountains—they are lifelines that will connect us to opportunities, services and the rest of the country,” he said.

For the people of Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur, the PIB nod is more than an administrative clearance—it is being seen as a turning point that could finally bridge decades-old connectivity gaps and usher the Chenab Valley into a new era of growth and integration.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for their support and approval of the Sudhmahadev–Dranga and Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel projects on NH-244.

The CM said these vital infrastructure projects will significantly strengthen connectivity, ensure all-weather access, and accelerate economic growth across the Chenab Valley and adjoining regions.

The Government of India has approved the construction of the uni-directional twin-tube Sudhmahadev–Dranga Tunnel (12.85 km, including 2-lane plus paved shoulder approaches) and the twin-tube Singhpora–Vailoo Tunnel (38.61 km, including 2-lane plus paved shoulder approaches) on NH-244 in Jammu & Kashmir, at an estimated total cost of ₹9,779.42 crore.

Recalling his earlier intervention, Abdullah said that in June last year, he had written to the Prime Minister and the Union Minister, highlighting delays in the projects and seeking their urgent consideration. He had urged that the projects be taken up under the NH (O) scheme of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways on priority to ensure their timely completion in line with the broader vision for the development of Jammu & Kashmir and the nation.

In his communication, the Chief Minister had expressed concern that while other NH projects on NH-244 were progressing under NHIDCL, delays in these two critical tunnels were impeding the expected socio-economic benefits for the Chenab region and hindering its efforts to overcome economic backwardness.