NHAI to Begin Rs 4,000-Crore Chattergala Tunnel Project in Srinagar

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to commence work on the ambitious Chattergala tunnel project in Srinagar, with an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore. This announcement came from Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, who emphasized the project’s significance in enhancing all-weather road connectivity between Kathua and Doda districts in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chattergala tunnel project, which was initially proposed six years ago, aims to construct a tunnel and a new national highway from Lakhanpur in Kathua. This highway will traverse through picturesque tourist spots like Basohli and Bani, extending up to Bhaderwah and Doda. The project’s detailed project report (DPR) was prepared by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) agency Beacons. However, due to financial constraints, the work could not commence until now.

Once completed, the tunnel and the new highway are expected to significantly reduce travel time between Kathua and Doda, besides providing improved connectivity to remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir. This development is anticipated to open up new avenues for economic growth, particularly in tourism and related sectors. Moreover, enhanced connectivity will facilitate easier access to healthcare and educational facilities for residents of the region.

In addition to boosting economic activities, the project is poised to generate employment opportunities, both directly through construction and indirectly through increased tourism and trade. The Chattergala tunnel project underscores the government’s commitment to developing robust infrastructure in challenging terrains, thereby improving the quality of life for local communities.

Nitin Gadkari also highlighted that the Chattergala tunnel project aligns with broader national goals of fostering regional development and integrating remote areas into the mainstream economy. The initiative reflects NHAI’s strategic focus on enhancing road connectivity across India, aiming to bolster transportation networks for smoother movement of goods and people.

Moving forward, stakeholders are optimistic about the socio-economic benefits that the Chattergala tunnel and the associated highway will bring to Jammu and Kashmir. The project’s commencement marks a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development efforts, promising a brighter future for its residents.