Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced that a proposal to construct a two-lane tube tunnel parallel to the existing Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel on the Chenani-Nashri stretch, connecting Udhampur with Ramban district, has been approved.
In a post on X, Singh stated, “Another good news for Udhampur. Thanks to National Highway Authority of India and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for accepting our request and proposing the construction of a new two-lane tube tunnel parallel to the existing Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel on Chenani-Nashri route along NH-44 (Jammu-Srinagar NH).”
He said that the new tunnel would ease the increasing rush of traffic on this section and ensure ease of travel.
The Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in April 2017.
Formerly known as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel is a 9.28-km-long twin-tube all weather tunnel located on NH-44 and passes through the lower Himalayas at an altitude of about 1,200m.
It is regarded as India’s longest road tunnel and serves as a vital link on the Jammu-Srinagar NH, significantly reducing travel time and improving connectivity. The tunnel was officially renamed in October 2019 in honour of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
The proposed parallel tunnel is expected to enhance traffic capacity, improve road safety and strengthen the resilience of the strategic highway connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
