Srinagar, Sep 19: Nearly two decades after being approved by the government, the long-awaited construction of a tunnel on the Mughal Road is expected to commence soon, marking a significant step towards improving the connectivity between South Kashmir and the Rajouri-Poonch region of Jammu district.
The project, which was first approved in 2004 during the tenure of the PDP-Congress coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, proposes a seven-kilometer-long tunnel between Zaznar and Chathapani at an elevation of 3,000 meters. The Mughal Road itself, a 230-year-old route of historical significance, has long been plagued by seasonal closures due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions. These closures not only disrupt vehicular traffic but also impact business activities and trade between the two regions.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, confirmed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mughal Road tunnel has been completed, with work on the project set to begin shortly. Speaking at a public rally in the Budhal Assembly constituency of Jammu and Kashmir, Gadkari outlined the government’s broader vision for enhancing the region’s infrastructure, with a particular focus on road connectivity.
Emphasising the importance of these infrastructure projects for boosting tourism and employment, Gadkari encouraged local communities to seize the opportunities created by improved connectivity. He also highlighted education, innovation, and entrepreneurship as essential drivers for the region’s future growth, underlining the government’s commitment to the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.
