Proposed Tunnel Project in J&K Stalled Due to Cost and Infra Concerns
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Proposed Tunnel Project in J&K Stalled Due to Cost and Infra Concerns

The proposal to construct two tunnels — Singhpora-Vailoo and Sudhmahadev-Dranga — on the Anantnag-Chenani corridor in Jammu and Kashmir has been halted. The Public Investment Board (PIB), headed by the expenditure secretary, rejected the recommendation, citing multiple reasons for the decision. The estimated cost for building both tunnels was nearly Rs 90 billion.

Officials from the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) clarified that an existing road already connects the origin and destination of the proposed tunnels. Additionally, the roads in question were not classified as strategic by the defence ministry, as per discussions in the March meeting.

The PIB also noted that NHIDCL had failed to provide detailed traffic data for both the existing and proposed routes. Despite reviewing several public-funded projects, the inter-ministerial panel found no clear direct benefits from the tunnel project.

Citing the good quality of the existing infrastructure, the PIB concluded that the tunnels were unnecessary. As a result, the J&K double tunnel project will be delayed indefinitely, with the Ministry of Road Transport directing that no new projects would be approved under the Bharatmala scheme without Cabinet approval for works exceeding Rs 10 billion.

Since the two tunnels fell under this category, they were dropped from the appraisal process by both the PIB and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Appraisal Committee, largely due to budget constraints and the presence of adequate existing infrastructure.

The proposal to construct two tunnels — Singhpora-Vailoo and Sudhmahadev-Dranga — on the Anantnag-Chenani corridor in Jammu and Kashmir has been halted. The Public Investment Board (PIB), headed by the expenditure secretary, rejected the recommendation, citing multiple reasons for the decision. The estimated cost for building both tunnels was nearly Rs 90 billion. Officials from the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) clarified that an existing road already connects the origin and destination of the proposed tunnels. Additionally, the roads in question were not classified as strategic by the defence ministry, as per discussions in the March meeting. The PIB also noted that NHIDCL had failed to provide detailed traffic data for both the existing and proposed routes. Despite reviewing several public-funded projects, the inter-ministerial panel found no clear direct benefits from the tunnel project. Citing the good quality of the existing infrastructure, the PIB concluded that the tunnels were unnecessary. As a result, the J&K double tunnel project will be delayed indefinitely, with the Ministry of Road Transport directing that no new projects would be approved under the Bharatmala scheme without Cabinet approval for works exceeding Rs 10 billion. Since the two tunnels fell under this category, they were dropped from the appraisal process by both the PIB and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Appraisal Committee, largely due to budget constraints and the presence of adequate existing infrastructure.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Next Story
Resources

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?