19/02/2025
3 major tunnels on Jammu-Rajouri highway almost completeJAMMU, Feb 17: As the work on three major tunnels on Jammu-Akhnoor-Rajouri National Highway in Kali Dhar Ranges and another near Nowshera is almost complete, the people from twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch are all set to have a major relief as these crucial tunnels will reduce nearly 30 kms of distance between Jammu and these two border districts.Official sources told the Excelsior that civil works on Kandi and Sungal tunnels in Kalidhar Ranges between Akhnoor and Sunderbani Sub Divisions have already been completed and some final electro-mechanical, fire-fighting and finishing works are in progress. These works are expected to be completed within 2-3 months.
While giving detail about 2.6 kms long Kandi Tunnel, the sources said this tunnel is situated about 12 kms from Hanuman Chowk, at Akhnoor town in the Kalidhar Range. This is Package-I tunnel and is being constructed by the M/s RNC Constructions, All these three tunnels have been constructed using modern technique like Nandni Tunnels between Jammu and Udhampur.
Though all the civil works on this first tunnel have been completed, yet some electro-mechanical and finishing works are in progress. The work on approach roads is remaining while initial stage of macamadization work was also being carried out. The contractor company is facing land issue for completion of work on approach roads. When this work is over, the remaining work on the approaches will also be completed, sources added.
The second one is the Sungal Tunnel which is about 2.8 kms (2790 mts) in length. This is being constructed by M/s C S Constructions with the estimated cost of Rs 476 crores. Though the tunnel may take hardly 2-3 months for the completion of remaining allied works but the approach roads to the tunnel is the major issue. It is said that nearly 1100 mts of land area is yet to be acquired and handed over to the Contractor Company by the 57 RDD of Project Sampark. Due to some issue between private farmers and the Revenue authorities, the GREF authorities could not handover the land for the approach roads to the contractor, Project Director Pardeep Sharma said.
