+
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 Energy

Private Sector Builds India’s First Heavy Water Test Facility

In a major stride towards nuclear self-reliance, India’s first privately built test facility for upgrading depleted heavy water has been commissioned by TEMA India Ltd. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Rajesh V, Director – Technical, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), and Shri K. T. Shenoy, Director, Chemical Engineering Group, BARC. Developed under a technology transfer from BARC and a purchase order from NPCIL, the unit represents a landmark in public-private collaboration and supports the government’s Atma-Nirbhar Bharat initiative.Previously, critical testing for hea..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Coal Ministry Pushes Digital Drive With SWCS Training Session

In a bid to accelerate digital transformation in the coal sector, the Ministry of Coal conducted a hands-on training workshop and interactive session on the Exploration Module of the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) on 25 July 2025. Held at Tagore Chamber, SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, the session aimed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the module’s functionalities and encourage its use for efficient exploration-related submissions and approvals.Ms Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority (AS & NA), chaired the session and stressed the vital role digital plat..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Enhances Cyber Defences for Critical Infrastructure

The Government of India remains acutely aware of the cyber threats facing the country’s digital and physical infrastructure. Its policies are focused on fostering a safe, trusted, and accountable cyberspace for all users. Several initiatives are being implemented to strengthen cyber security across critical sectors such as power, transport, and banking, ensuring their continuous and secure operation.The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) undertake cyber security audits under the Information Technol..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?