The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways is set to lay the cornerstone for several National Highway (NH) Projects in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The Minister will also conduct a review and inspection of the Z-Morh and Zojila Tunnels.
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel: A Record-Breaking Infrastructure
Formerly known as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel holds the title as the longest highway tunnel in India at 9 km long. It’s more than just a record holder in India; it’s also Asia’s longest bi-directional highway tunnel. The tunnel sits within the lower Himalayan mountain range, providing a vital connection between Udhampur and Ramban in Jammu & Kashmir.
Banihal Qazigund Tunnel: Bridging Banihal and Qazigund
Situated in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Banihal Qazigund Tunnel simplifies the journey between Banihal and Qazigund. Sitting 1,790 m above sea level, this 8.5 km road tunnel cuts through the Pir Panjal range, facilitating easier transport and connectivity.
Jawahar Tunnel: Ensuring Year-Round Connectivity
Also known as the Banihal Tunnel or Banihal Pass, the Jawahar Tunnel, about 2.85 km long, offers vital year-round road access between Srinagar and Jammu. Located between Banihāl and Qazigund on NH 1A, now renumbered NH 44, it’s essential for regular communication and logistics.
Nandni Tunnels: Shortening Distance and Travel Time
Constructed under the Nandni wildlife sanctuary on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur district, the Nandni Tunnels are a series of four highway tunnels. Despite their combined length of 1.4 km, these tunnels have dramatically reduced the travel distance and time between Jammu and Srinagar.
Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel: India’s Longest Railway Tunnel
Stretching 11.2 km long, the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel is the country’s longest transportation railway tunnel. The tunnel link, the only broad gauge mountain railway in India, stretches through the Pir Panjal mountain range between Quazigund and Baramulla. The Northern Railways undertook this tunnel section as part of the 202km Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla rail link project.
Z-Morh Tunnel: Connecting Gagangir and Sonamarg
The Z-Morh Tunnel is an under-construction tunnel located 20 km from the Zojila Pass, on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway. Upon completion, this 6.5 km tunnel will provide a direct link between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Kashmir.
Zojila Tunnel: Ensuring Safer and All-Weather Connectivity
Also under construction and set to be Asia’s longest road tunnel, the Zojila Tunnel will stretch 14.2 km between Baltal and Minamarg. It is being built at an altitude of 11,578 m above sea level and will guarantee safer, year-round connectivity between Leh, Kargil, and Srinagar.
Nilgrar Tunnels: Facilitating Access to Zojila West Portal
The Nilgrar-I is a twin tube tunnel stretching to a length of 433 m each, while the Nilgrar twin tunnel-II extends for 1.95 Km each. Both the Nilgrar-I and Nilgrar-II tunnels form part of the 18 km long approach road to the Zojila west portal, providing enhanced connectivity to the Ladakh region Kargil, Drass, and Leh.
Chattergala Tunnel: Connecting Kathua and Doda Districts
Currently under construction, the Chattergala Tunnel will stretch 6.8 km long, connecting Kathua and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir via basohli-bani through Chattergala.