NEW DELHI: Cabinet Friday approved two strategic tunnel projects and the approach roads on NH-244 in J&K at an estimated cost of around Rs 9,800 crore to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir Valley and Jammu region while improving access to Chenab Valley.The projects comprise Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel and Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnel, along with their approach roads, on the Anantnag-Chenani corridor. These are expected to strengthen road connectivity in Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur districts, and reduce travel time.While the 39-km Singhapora-Vailoo stretch will have 10-km unidirectional twin-tube tunnels, the 13-km Sudhmahadev–Dranga section will have 8-km twin tube tunnels. The projects would be completed in five years and these will be fully Centre-funded.The tunnels are aimed at bypassing difficult stretches of NH-244 that are frequently affected by snowfall, landslides and adverse weather, disrupting traffic and isolating several areas during the winter months. Once completed, the projects will provide a safer and more efficient route for commuters, tourists and freight movement.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesOfficials said the projects would boost regional connectivity by ensuring year-round access to remote districts, facilitating faster movement of essential goods and emergency services. Improved road infrastructure is also expected to promote tourism, trade and economic activity in the Chenab Valley, besides creating employment opportunities during the construction phase.The tunnel projects form part of the Centre’s broader strategy to modernise transport infrastructure in J&K and improve connectivity to border and hilly regions. Govt has undertaken several major road projects in the Union Territory, including the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, the Zojila Tunnel and the Z-Morh Tunnel, to provide seamless and all-weather road links.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMigrant Labourer Killed In Kulgam Terror Attack, Security Forces Launch Massive Search OperationCauvery Row Escalates As TN Farmers Protest, DK Shivakumar Delays Meeting With VijayDelhi Riots Case: Tahir Hussain, Four Others Get Life Term For IB Officer Ankit Sharma’s MurderIndia Signs Rs 4,000 Crore Credit Agreement With Bhutan, Reviews Rs 10,000 Crore Development PackageIndian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun, Strengthens Deep-Sea Rescue CapabilityCabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme To Boost Offshore Oil And Gas ExplorationMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | Watch123PhotostoriesHe thought it was food poisoning until doctors found a kidney stone: The warning signs that are easy to missWhy Indian royals chose emeralds over diamonds: The fascinating history behind their favourite gemstoneWhat happens when you say ‘thank you’ every day? These 5 spiritual changes may surprise you5 ancient Egyptian rituals that are deeply disturbingBreast cancer often begins without pain: Doctor explains the early warning signs every woman should know and why timely screening can save livesWhy children are more vulnerable to heatwaves than adults: Doctor explains the hidden risks of heat, humidity and dehydrationAs Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Ramayana’ revives traditional fashion, meet the woman who gave India the blouse, petticoat and modern Nivi sareeWho is Vinnie Takair? Danish singer spotted with Aryan Khan in London sparks dating rumoursOptical Illusion personality test: What you feel most drawn to first says a lot about who you really are10 baby names inspired by Greek mythology123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

NEW DELHI: Cabinet Friday approved two strategic tunnel projects and the approach roads on NH-244 in J&K at an estimated cost of around Rs 9,800 crore to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir Valley and Jammu region while improving access to Chenab Valley.The projects comprise Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel and Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnel, along with their approach roads, on the Anantnag-Chenani corridor. These are expected to strengthen road connectivity in Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur districts, and reduce travel time.While the 39-km Singhapora-Vailoo stretch will have 10-km unidirectional twin-tube tunnels, the 13-km Sudhmahadev–Dranga section will have 8-km twin tube tunnels. The projects would be completed in five years and these will be fully Centre-funded.The tunnels are aimed at bypassing difficult stretches of NH-244 that are frequently affected by snowfall, landslides and adverse weather, disrupting traffic and isolating several areas during the winter months. Once completed, the projects will provide a safer and more efficient route for commuters, tourists and freight movement.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesOfficials said the projects would boost regional connectivity by ensuring year-round access to remote districts, facilitating faster movement of essential goods and emergency services. Improved road infrastructure is also expected to promote tourism, trade and economic activity in the Chenab Valley, besides creating employment opportunities during the construction phase.The tunnel projects form part of the Centre’s broader strategy to modernise transport infrastructure in J&K and improve connectivity to border and hilly regions. Govt has undertaken several major road projects in the Union Territory, including the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, the Zojila Tunnel and the Z-Morh Tunnel, to provide seamless and all-weather road links.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMigrant Labourer Killed In Kulgam Terror Attack, Security Forces Launch Massive Search OperationCauvery Row Escalates As TN Farmers Protest, DK Shivakumar Delays Meeting With VijayDelhi Riots Case: Tahir Hussain, Four Others Get Life Term For IB Officer Ankit Sharma’s MurderIndia Signs Rs 4,000 Crore Credit Agreement With Bhutan, Reviews Rs 10,000 Crore Development PackageIndian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun, Strengthens Deep-Sea Rescue CapabilityCabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme To Boost Offshore Oil And Gas ExplorationMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | Watch123PhotostoriesHe thought it was food poisoning until doctors found a kidney stone: The warning signs that are easy to missWhy Indian royals chose emeralds over diamonds: The fascinating history behind their favourite gemstoneWhat happens when you say ‘thank you’ every day? These 5 spiritual changes may surprise you5 ancient Egyptian rituals that are deeply disturbingBreast cancer often begins without pain: Doctor explains the early warning signs every woman should know and why timely screening can save livesWhy children are more vulnerable to heatwaves than adults: Doctor explains the hidden risks of heat, humidity and dehydrationAs Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Ramayana’ revives traditional fashion, meet the woman who gave India the blouse, petticoat and modern Nivi sareeWho is Vinnie Takair? Danish singer spotted with Aryan Khan in London sparks dating rumoursOptical Illusion personality test: What you feel most drawn to first says a lot about who you really are10 baby names inspired by Greek mythology123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up


Cabinet approved two major tunnel projects in J&K

NEW DELHI: Cabinet Friday approved two strategic tunnel projects and the approach roads on NH-244 in J&K at an estimated cost of around Rs 9,800 crore to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir Valley and Jammu region while improving access to Chenab Valley.The projects comprise Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel and Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnel, along with their approach roads, on the Anantnag-Chenani corridor. These are expected to strengthen road connectivity in Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur districts, and reduce travel time.While the 39-km Singhapora-Vailoo stretch will have 10-km unidirectional twin-tube tunnels, the 13-km Sudhmahadev–Dranga section will have 8-km twin tube tunnels. The projects would be completed in five years and these will be fully Centre-funded.The tunnels are aimed at bypassing difficult stretches of NH-244 that are frequently affected by snowfall, landslides and adverse weather, disrupting traffic and isolating several areas during the winter months. Once completed, the projects will provide a safer and more efficient route for commuters, tourists and freight movement.

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