A tunnel is defined as an enclosed underground passageway that is dug through surrounding rock and which facilitates road or rail traffic. Tunnels usually provide a shorter way from one place to another, thus reducing the distance between those places and thereby reducing the travel time. Some tunnels may provide an alternative route between two places, thus distributing the traffic and simplifying the travel. Since tunnels link distant places and increase the efficiency of travel, they are important elements of the infrastructural development of a state or country. Here we look at the top tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir that are driving development in the Valley.
Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel: Earlier called Chenani-Nashri Tunnel and presently, also known as the Syama Tunnel, this road tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir is the longest in India and India’s first tunnel to have to fully integrated tunnel control system. It is located in the Lower Himalayas on National Highway 44, has a length of 9.28 kms, and enables faster travel between Jammu and Srinagar. Due to the Syama tunnel, the distance between Jammu and Srinagar has decreased by 30 kms and the travel time has reduced by 2 hours. Its construction began in 2011 and was completed by 2017.
Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel: Located in the Lower Himalayas on National Highway 44, this road tunnel is among the longest tunnels in India. It has a length of 8.45 kms and it reduces the distance between Jammu and Srinagar by 16 kms. It is a twin tube tunnel that has two parallel tunnels and is equipped with high-end monitoring and control systems for security. Its construction started in 2011 and was completed in 2021.
Nandni Tunnels: They are a series of 4 highway tunnels constructed under Nandni wildlife sanctuary on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur. Their total length is 1.4 kms and they have reduced the distance and travel time between Srinagar and Jammu.
Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel: This tunnel, also known as the Qazigund railway tunnel, is 11.2 kms long and located in the Pir Panjal Range of middle Himalayas. For some time, it was the longest railway tunnel in India.
Jawahar Tunnel: This tunnel is in use since 1956 and was renovated in 1960 to include a ventilation system, pollution and temperature sensors, lighting system, and phones. This road tunnel links Srinagar and Jammu, and is located between Banihal and Qazigund.
Tunnels in J&K that are Under Construction
Chattergala Tunnel: This road tunnel which is under construction is scheduled to be completed in about 4 years. It will have a length of 6.8 kms and establish a link between Doda and Kathua districts. It will reduce the travel time between Lakhanpur and Doda to just 4 hours.
Zoji La Tunnel: This road tunnel is located between Sonmarg and Drass in Ladakh, under the Zoji La pass in the Himalayas and will span a length of 14.2 kms. Currently under construction, it is scheduled to be completed in the next 5 years, after which it will be possible to travel between Srinagar and Ladakh all year round.
Z-Morh Tunnel: This road tunnel is currently under construction and will link Gagangair to Sonamarg. This tunnel will take the place of the earlier z-shaped road between these places. It is strategically important because it will provide access to the disputed borders with Pakistan and will reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh. It is believed that this tunnel will boost the tourism to Sonamarg.
These tunnels have indeed helped in building a strong network between different districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Some of them have provided easy access to the once-inaccessible or difficult-to-reach places. Due to these tunnels, commutes are easy and transport is more efficient, and thus, they are driving the infrastructural as well as economic development in the Kashmir Valley.
