NHIDCL in dark as key Chenab tunnels face uncertainty

Srinagar, Apr 15: The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has expressed surprise over recent media reports suggesting that the Public Investment Board (PIB), headed by the Expenditure Secretary, has rejected proposals for two key tunnels – Singhpora-Vailoo and Sudhmahadev-Dranga - on the Anantnag-Chenani corridor in Jammu and Kashmir.

NHIDCL officials said that all major approvals, including defence and forest clearances, had already been secured, and land acquisition for the approach roads – spanning 38.6 km - had been completed.

“There might be some technical aspects associated with the project, but I don’t believe it can be shelved, especially since compensation has already been paid to affected individuals,” an official said.

Another official said that they had received no information indicating that the Union Ministry had dropped the projects.

“We are trying to verify the accuracy of these reports. As of now, we have not been informed of any such development by either the central government or the J&K government,” he said.

The Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel bid invited in 2023 was terminated last year when the Home Ministry declined clearance for the lowest bidder, a foreign contractor.

However, the NHIDCL has indicated plans for re-tendering.

But Times of India reported that the PIB has now declined the proposals, citing cost concerns and other issues.

This has sparked widespread disappointment across Chenab Valley and Kashmir.

Residents and opposition leaders have expressed strong dismay over the decision, calling it a major blow to the connectivity and development of the Chenab Valley districts of Doda and Kishtwar.

President of the Kishtwar Bar Association, Advocate Sheikh Nasir termed the Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel “a lifeline” for the region.

“This project had the potential to transform the Chenab Valley by boosting tourism, trade, and economic development. Its rejection shows a disregard for the needs of the people of the region,” he said, urging the government to reconsider.

Ishtiyaq Ahmad Dev, a social activist from Doda, echoed similar sentiments, saying the Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnel was crucial for connecting Doda to Chenani.

“The current Doda-Batote road is treacherous due to subsidence linked to power projects, making a safer alternative route necessary,” he said.

The tunnels, particularly the Singhpora-Vailoo, were expected to drastically reduce travel time and provide all-weather connectivity between Chenab Valley and Kashmir.

Mushtaq Ahmad, a shopkeeper from Kishtwar, shared his dismay saying, “This project was our dream. We hoped it would ease our winter hardships, but the rejection has dashed our hopes.”

Feroze Ahmad from Kokernag said that the economic impact of this project would have been vital and that the improved connectivity could have spurred business and tourism growth.

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also criticised the decision.

Senior leader Firdous Tak, who comes from Chenab Valley, called the move a “betrayal” of the aspirations of the Chenab Valley’s people.

“These are not just infrastructure projects – these are lifelines for socio-economic upliftment,” he said, criticising both the central government and local parties for their failure to advocate effectively.

Tak recalled how the tunnels were envisioned by former chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, who initiated key surveys and brought the matter to national forums.

“Now, while the Centre boasts of 33 tunnels in J&K – 15 of which are completed - these two critical ones have been sidelined. It is evident where the priorities lie,” he said.

Despite recent remarks by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari during the inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel, where he indirectly referenced the Singhpora-Vailoo project as part of future plans, the recent PIB decision comes as a surprise.

The Anantnag-Kokernag-Kishtwar road, conceived over four decades ago, was opened to Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) only in 2009 and remains closed in winter due to heavy snowfall at Sinthan Pass at 12,500 feet above sea level.

The Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel, originating in Ahlan, Kokernag, and connecting to Chatroo, Kishtwar, was designed to bypass this treacherous pass, enabling year-round travel.

Initially approved in 2017 and reaffirmed in 2021, the project had already faced several delays.

The latest setback came in 2024 when the bid by a joint venture of Transrail Lighting and Euro-Asian Construction Corporation (EVRASCON), amounting to Rs 2387 crore, was scrapped due to issues with the contractor’s bank guarantee.