Srinagar, Jun 9: In a major infrastructure push for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced that a proposal has been approved for the construction of a new two lane tunnel adjacent to the existing Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel on the Chenani-Nashri stretch of National Highway-44.
The project has been put forward by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with the approval of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. The proposed tunnel is intended to enhance traffic management on one of the Union Territory’s most critical road corridors.
Sharing the development through a social media post, Dr. Singh termed the proposal a significant achievement for the Udhampur region and said it was initiated after sustained efforts and representations made before the concerned authorities.
According to the Union Minister, the additional tunnel will help accommodate the increasing volume of vehicles on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country. The project is expected to facilitate smoother vehicular movement, reduce travel delays and strengthen the overall efficiency of the highway network.
Dr. Singh thanked NHAI and Nitin Gadkari for their positive response and support in advancing the proposal, emphasizing the Centre’s commitment to expanding modern infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
The existing Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, earlier known as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2017. Since then, it has significantly shortened travel distance, reduced journey time and improved all-weather connectivity on the strategic route.
Officials believe the proposed parallel tube will further enhance operational capacity on the corridor while providing an additional layer of safety and convenience for motorists. The move is also expected to strengthen transportation logistics and support economic activity by ensuring more reliable movement of goods and passengers.
Once implemented, the project will add to the series of highway modernization initiatives undertaken in recent years to improve connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir and reinforce the importance of NH-44 as a key transportation artery in the region.