Srinagar: The renovation of the historic 2.5-km-long Jawahar Tunnel, which was for decades the only gateway to the Valley, is nearing completion.
The project executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), aims to transform the decades-old tunnel along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, into a modern and efficient passage.
Constructed in 1954
Originally constructed by a German engineering firm in 1954, the Jawahar Tunnel, named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, served as the sole route connecting Kashmir with the rest of India until 2022. However, its strategic importance diminished after the inauguration of the 8.45-km-long Qazigund-Banihal Navyug Tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2022.
The Jawahar Tunnel, however, remains critical for specific vehicle movements, as the new tunnel restrict the passage of fuel-laden tankers, trucks carrying LPG, and other vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
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Renovation due to seepage
Commander of 760 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), Amiya Shrivastava said renovation work was felt necessary after 2010 as there was widespread seepage issues on both of the tunnel tubes which defaced the road surface.
A DPR (Detailed Project Report) was prepared by the Border Roads to tackle the issues and make it a state of art tunnel, he said.
" The upgradation of the tunnel was done to enhance security , safety , surveillance and upgrading mobility infrastructure within the tunnel. We focused on improving the riding surface by laying concrete in both tubes and incorporating advanced technologies like ventilation jet fans, an improved lighting system, and sophisticated monitoring gadgets," he said.
The renovation, initiated in July 2023, was completed within a record 18 months at a cost of Rs 62.50 crore. The BRO looks after the construction and maintenance of the Jawahar tunnel.
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Both the renovated tubes of the tunnel- named as Eastern and Western - will be opened for the traffic.
Tunnel at 2,200 meters altitude
Government officials said the historic tunnel situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters near Banihal pass in the Pir Panjal range can also attract tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir. (with Agency inputs)
