Centre approves Mughal Road, Karnah tunnel projects

Srinagar, Jun 23: In a significant fillip to road connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, the Government of India has approved Mughal road and Karnah valley tunnel projects.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways today approved 19 projects, including Pir Ki Gali and Sadhna tunnel projects, at estimated costs of Rs 10637 crore.
According to a communiqué from the Ministry, the MORTH has approved construction of two tunnel projects, three flyovers, four bridges and 10 other works in J&K.
The two key projects sanctioned are 9-kilometre long Pir Ki Gali and 7-kilometer long Sadhna tunnels, involving a total cost of Rs 7160 crore.
While the Pir Ki Gali tunnel will ensure year-round connectivity along the Mughal Road—linking the Kashmir Valley with Pir Panjal—the Sadhna tunnel will provide uninterrupted road access to the strategically vital Karnah Valley, located near the Line of Control.
According to documents, the MoRTH will hold a meeting with the Ministry of Defence over these two projects.
The detailed project reports (DPRs) will be transferred immediately from the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The flyover projects approved are four-lane Pantha chowk flyover(Rs 105 crore),4-lane Magam flyover on Narbal- Gulmarg section of National Highway- 701(Rs 445 crore) and four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora junction(Rs 700 crore).
The MoRTH has also approved construction/ improvement of Trehgam- Chamkot road involving a cost of Rs 966 crore.
LG expressed gratitude to PM, Gadkari
Meanwhile, LG Manoj Sinha has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning of these projects.
“Extremely grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji & Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji for giving approval to 19 mega road and tunnel projects for J&K UT worth Rs.10,637 Crore,” LG said, in a post on his official X handle.
He said major approved projects include construction of Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel, Sadhana tunnel, Zaznar Shopian section of NH-701A, 4-L flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora, Trehgam Chamkote section of NH-701, 4-Lane Magam Flyover on Narbal-Gulmarg section & Qazigund Bypass & other projects.
He said many of these strategically important projects will improve logistical support and troops mobility.
“Projects will improve Infrastructure in UT & connect various tourist destinations. Construction of tunnels will reduce the travel time, ensure all-weather connectivity & spur economic growth,” he posted.
My government got these projects approved: CM
In a post on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that his government has got road and tunnel projects worth Rs 10600 crore approved by the Centre.
“In a major achievement my government has got Rs 10,600 crores worth of road & tunnel projects approved by the Union Government. I’m grateful to PM @narendramodi ji & Minister @MORTHIndia @nitin_gadkari ji for their continued support as we try to steer J&K on a path of progress, development & connectivity,” he posted.
AIP thanks PM Modi, Union Minister Gadkari
The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has extended sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari for approving the much-awaited Sadhana Tunnel, a critical infrastructure project that will ensure all-weather connectivity to the border region of Tangdhar in Kupwara district.
In a statement, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi hailed the efforts of Incarcerated Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, whose meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari during the Winter Session of Parliament in Parliament Chamber has borne fruit.
During this meeting, Er Rashid had vehemently presented the long-pending demands related to North Kashmir’s vital road and transport infrastructure and the recent approvals are seen as a direct result of that intervention.
Apart from the Sadhana Tunnel, the Union Government has also approved other key projects which were putforth by Er Rashid, including the upgradation of the Trehgam–Chamkote section of National Highway NH-701, construction of a 4-lane flyover at Magam on the Narbal–Gulmarg route, Berwah Bridge project to improve regional connectivity and the continuation and completion of the 2-lane Road Over Bridge at Mazhama on the same corridor.
Inam Un Nabi stated that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Ji had responded positively to all the suggestions made by Er Rashid and had assured him that the demands would be taken up seriously. With their approval now confirmed, AIP sees it as a testament to the government’s acknowledgment of the pressing needs of people living in remote and border areas.
He added that the party is hopeful that other key proposals put forward by MP Er Rashid – such as the road connectivity between Lolab and Bandipora, Takipora Lolab–Sopore link and construction of tunnels at Gurez and Machil will also get a green signal in the near future. These projects, he said, are not only essential for improving public mobility but are also vital from the perspectives of economic development, tourism promotion and strategic preparedness. (KNO)