JAMMU: Chairman, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Yudhvir Singh Malik on Tuesday informed Minister for Works Naeem Akhtar that the work on 9.50 km long Chenani-Nashri tunnel is in final stage of testing and certification. “If everything goes well, the tunnel could be inaugurated anytime next month,” the Chairman added.
Regarding Qazigund-Banihal tunnel, Malik informed that the 8.5 km long tunnel is at the breakthrough stage and it would be commissioned in 2018.
This information was given by NHAI Chairman in a meeting with the Minister convened to review the progress of upgradation of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and other key road communication projects in the State. During the meeting, Malik assured Akhtar that the Authority would ensure that the executing agencies stick to the deadline and ensure completion of works on key highway and road projects in time.
Akhtar emphasised on expediting the work on Srinagar-Qazigund stretch, Qazigund-Banihal tunnel, Banihal-Ramban section and Chenani-Nashri tunnel as part of upgradation of Srinagar-Jammu highway to facilitate hassle-free travel between the two capital cities of the State.
He also reviewed the progress of work on Batote-Kishtwar Highway and proposed Ring Roads in Jammu and Srinagar. Regarding Batote-Kishtwar National Highway, it was informed that the Centre has recently released Rs. 100 crore for the upgradation of this highway and it would be completed by December this year.
Regarding Srinagar-Qazigund section of the Highway, the Minister was informed by the NHAI authorities that due to the disturbances in the Valley last summer, the work on this important stretch took a big hit. The NHAI Chairman, however, assured him that the work is being expedited on this stretch to complete this year.
Pertinent to mention that NHAI Chairman has been deputed to Jammu and Kashmir on a two-day visit by Union Road and Surface Transport Ministry to personally review the progress of the key highway and other road projects in the State and submit a report to the Prime Minister’s Office.