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

18 Apr 2025 CW Team

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.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..