Jammu & Kashmir Gets Road Boost: Centre Approves ₹10,637 Crore for 19 Road and Tunnel Projects

Sadhna Tunnel to Strengthen Border Connectivity and Military Readiness

The Centre has approved ₹10,637 crore for 19 road and tunnel projects in J&K to ensure all-weather connectivity in snow-prone areas. Tunnels like Sadhna Pass and Peer Ki Gali will help prevent winter road closures, ensuring smooth travel for locals, troops, pilgrims, and trucks.

The upcoming 6.2 km Sadhna Tunnel, to be constructed beneath the 10,269-feet-high Sadhna Pass in Kupwara district, is strategically vital. Situated close to the Line of Control (LoC), this project will maintain uninterrupted access to the Karnah and Tangdhar sectors, even during heavy snowfall. A 1 km approach road from the Karnah side will also be developed. This tunnel will not only benefit local residents but also significantly boost military logistics and truck movement during winter months.

Peer Ki Gali Tunnel to Provide Jammu–Kashmir All-Season Link

The 7 km Peer Ki Gali Tunnel is planned along the Mughal Road that connects Poonch to Shopian. Located at 11,450 feet above sea level, this stretch becomes impassable for 4–6 months due to snowfall. Once completed, the tunnel will ensure reliable, all-weather connectivity between Jammu division and the Kashmir Valley, reducing the Poonch–Shopian distance from 84 km to just 70 km—greatly enhancing transport efficiency, especially for trucks and essential supplies.

Panjtarni Tunnel to Ease Amarnath Yatra Route

To assist the large inflow of pilgrims, the government has planned a 10.88 km Panjtarni Tunnel below Ganesh Top on the Pahalgam–Amarnath Cave route. Along with a 21 km road from Chandanwari to Sangam Top, this infrastructure will greatly ease the journey for Amarnath pilgrims and emergency vehicles. The project will include twin tunnel tubes for better traffic management and safety.

Leaders Praise the Move as ‘Historic Step’

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, stating, “This is a transformational move that will ensure inclusive development in remote areas.” Former CM Omar Abdullah also welcomed the announcement, calling it a “major milestone” for the state’s long-term connectivity goals.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed that these projects are part of a larger initiative—119 mega road and tunnel projects covering 296 km—to be completed by 2025–26.

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