In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir’s connectivity, the Centre on Monday approved the construction of a crucial tunnel on the Mughal Road, paving the way for an all-weather alternative to the frequently disrupted Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
Part of a larger package of 19 major road and tunnel projects worth ₹10,637 crore, the proposed tunnel at Peer Ki Gali on the 84-km Mughal Road will link Shopian in the Kashmir Valley with Poonch in Jammu. The move has sparked widespread excitement across the region, with political leaders calling it a long-awaited milestone.
“It is a major achievement of my government,” J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, reacting to the development. “We have been working hard on this and held several rounds of discussions with government of India, particularly the ministry of road transport and highways. Finally, these major projects have been sanctioned.”
Though operational since 2009, the Mughal Road is currently open only during the summer months. Heavy snowfall at stretches like Peer Ki Gali and Bafliaz forces its closure in winter, limiting its utility. The proposed tunnel is expected to eliminate this bottleneck and provide year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu.
“The tunnel on the Mughal Road is of crucial importance as it will provide year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu. It holds both strategic and commercial value,” Abdullah said. He added, “We’ve been pursuing this for years, and I am glad it has finally received approval.”
Construction of a modern road along the historic Mughal route had begun in the 1970s during the government of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. However, it gained momentum only after being revived in 2003 under Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s tenure. In 2009, the road was opened to vehicular traffic during Omar Abdullah’s first term as chief minister.
Apart from the Mughal Road tunnel, the Centre has also cleared the Sadhana Tunnel project, which will connect Kupwara to Karnah, at an estimated cost of ₹3,330 crore. Omar Abdullah said he intends to pursue a similar tunnel project for Gurez Valley in north Kashmir and will raise the matter with the Union government.
The Mughal Road has historical significance, having served as a key passage for Mughal emperors in the 16th century. Emperor Akbar used the route to conquer Kashmir in 1586, and his son Jahangir is believed to have died near Rajouri while returning via this road.
In a separate statement from Srinagar, both Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for approving the key infrastructure projects.
The National Conference, which leads the government in Jammu and Kashmir, was quick to credit the state’s persistent efforts. “Under the leadership of J&K CM Omar Abdullah our government has successfully convinced government of India to take up key infrastructure projects like the Mughal Road tunnel and the tunnel to Tangdhar,” the party said in a statement.
A senior NC leader added that these approvals reflect the Centre's recognition of the elected government’s consistent advocacy for long-pending infrastructure priorities in the region.
(With inputs from ToI)
Part of a larger package of 19 major road and tunnel projects worth ₹10,637 crore, the proposed tunnel at Peer Ki Gali on the 84-km Mughal Road will link Shopian in the Kashmir Valley with Poonch in Jammu. The move has sparked widespread excitement across the region, with political leaders calling it a long-awaited milestone.
“It is a major achievement of my government,” J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, reacting to the development. “We have been working hard on this and held several rounds of discussions with government of India, particularly the ministry of road transport and highways. Finally, these major projects have been sanctioned.”
Though operational since 2009, the Mughal Road is currently open only during the summer months. Heavy snowfall at stretches like Peer Ki Gali and Bafliaz forces its closure in winter, limiting its utility. The proposed tunnel is expected to eliminate this bottleneck and provide year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu.
“The tunnel on the Mughal Road is of crucial importance as it will provide year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu. It holds both strategic and commercial value,” Abdullah said. He added, “We’ve been pursuing this for years, and I am glad it has finally received approval.”
Construction of a modern road along the historic Mughal route had begun in the 1970s during the government of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. However, it gained momentum only after being revived in 2003 under Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s tenure. In 2009, the road was opened to vehicular traffic during Omar Abdullah’s first term as chief minister.
Apart from the Mughal Road tunnel, the Centre has also cleared the Sadhana Tunnel project, which will connect Kupwara to Karnah, at an estimated cost of ₹3,330 crore. Omar Abdullah said he intends to pursue a similar tunnel project for Gurez Valley in north Kashmir and will raise the matter with the Union government.
The Mughal Road has historical significance, having served as a key passage for Mughal emperors in the 16th century. Emperor Akbar used the route to conquer Kashmir in 1586, and his son Jahangir is believed to have died near Rajouri while returning via this road.
In a separate statement from Srinagar, both Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for approving the key infrastructure projects.
The National Conference, which leads the government in Jammu and Kashmir, was quick to credit the state’s persistent efforts. “Under the leadership of J&K CM Omar Abdullah our government has successfully convinced government of India to take up key infrastructure projects like the Mughal Road tunnel and the tunnel to Tangdhar,” the party said in a statement.
A senior NC leader added that these approvals reflect the Centre's recognition of the elected government’s consistent advocacy for long-pending infrastructure priorities in the region.
(With inputs from ToI)
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