Decades of Waiting | The Vailoo Singhpora Tunnel Project Stalls Again

The residents of Chenab Valley and Kashmir Valley have been dealt a harsh blow as the long-awaited Vailoo Singhpora tunnel project faces yet another setback. The project, envisioned to be a critical infrastructure link, was initially announced by the Government of India (GOI) under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) with a projected cost of ₹3,253.58 crore. This announcement in 2021 sparked hopes and dreams of better connectivity and economic upliftment in the region.

In February 2023, the bids for this significant project were opened. The lowest bid, amounting to ₹2,387 crore, was submitted by TLL-Evrascon, a joint venture between an Indian and an Azerbaijan-company. The excitement was palpable as this development was seen as a major milestone. The Ministry of Road and Transport was praised for its initiative, and there was a collective sigh of relief among the local population, who had long waited for such progress.

However, despite the initial optimism, the project soon encountered numerous hurdles. The LOA, which was to be granted to the lowest bidder, TLL-Evrascon, was delayed. The NHIDCL cited the need for a thorough verification of the Bank Guarantee (BG) submitted by TLL-Evrascon, which added to the delays. Meanwhile, rumours and reports surfaced on social media and in local newspapers indicating that the project was awaiting clearance from the Ministry of Defence, with an expected approval by June 2024.

In a show of confidence and anticipation, TLL-Evrascon began recruiting staff as early as February 2024. The company completed all required formalities, including the submission of the BG and an additional BG, with the hope that the project would commence before the end of 2024, aligning with the upcoming parliamentary elections. The local communities were hopeful, believing that the much-needed development was finally within reach.

However, the situation took a turn for the worse. Firstly, the tender for the Authority Engineer was cancelled after the technical evaluation process. Just a month later, on April 13, 2024, the tender for the actual construction of the tunnel was also cancelled, citing problems in verification of BG submitted by the Contractor. This sudden cancellation has left the residents of Chenab Valley and Kashmir Valley in a state of shock and disappointment.

The specific reasons behind the cancellation of the Vailoo Singhpora tunnel project remain indistinct. While administrative issues have been officially cited, there is widespread speculation and concern about the actual causes. The cancellation has left the residents questioning the sincerity of the promises made by the authorities. For many, this project represented more than just a tunnel; it symbolized hope for economic development, improved connectivity, and a brighter future. The abrupt halt in progress has shattered these hopes, leaving many to wonder if the project will ever come to fruition.

The future of the Vailoo Singhpora tunnel project now hangs in thebalance. Will it be re-tendered in a short span of time? The community's dreams of enhanced infrastructure and economic prosperity remain unfulfilled, as they await clarity and action from the authorities. Only time will reveal whether the Vailoo Singhpora tunnel will eventually be realized or if it will join the long list of unfulfilled promises. The people of the region continue to hold out hope, but their patience is wearing thin. The ball is now in the court of the government and relevant authorities to address these issues transparently and take decisive action to bring this much-needed project to life.

BY Peerzada Mohsin Shafi , Research Scholar, Contracts and Planning Engineer, Member ASCE