Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for approving the Sudhmahadev–Dranga and Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel projects on NH-244. He said the projects will strengthen connectivity, ensure all-weather access and accelerate economic growth across the Chenab Valley and adjoining regions. The announcements follow earlier representations to federal authorities seeking urgent action on the stalled works.

The Government of India has approved construction of the uni-directional twin-tube Sudhmahadev–Dranga Tunnel, extending 12.85 km with two-lane plus paved shoulder approaches, and the twin-tube Singhpora–Vailoo Tunnel, extending 38.61 km with two-lane plus paved shoulder approaches, on NH-244 in Jammu and Kashmir. The combined works have been estimated at a total cost of Rs 97,794.2 mn. Project designations and procurement modalities are to be finalised by the implementing agencies.

Mr Abdullah recalled that he had written to the Prime Minister and the Union Minister in June last year to highlight delays and to urge inclusion of the two tunnels under the National Highway and Other than National Highways scheme of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on a priority basis. He said the plea sought to ensure timely completion in line with wider development goals for Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. The communication underlined that other national highway projects on NH-244 were progressing under the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited while these two critical tunnels had lagged behind.

The Chief Minister noted that delays had been impeding anticipated socio-economic benefits for the Chenab region and hindering efforts to overcome economic backwardness. He welcomed the approvals as a step towards improved regional integration and enhanced movement of goods and people. Implementation timelines and monitoring mechanisms are expected to be announced by the Ministry and the executing agencies in due course.