Omar Abdullah Thanks Modi And Gadkari For Tunnel Approvals

21 Apr 2026 CW Team

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.

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.

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

Infrastructure Urban

08 May 2026

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Infrastructure Transport

08 May 2026

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..