The importance of these tunnels cannot be overstated
On June 23, 2025, the Lieutenant Governor (L.G.) of Jammu and Kashmir made a significant announcement via Twitter regarding the sanctioning of new infrastructure projects in the region. This announcement outlined 19 road and tunnel projects, with a cumulative value of ₹10,637 crore. The news was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from all stakeholders, including the local population, governmental agencies, and regional development experts. These newly approved projects are set to provide a major boost to the region’s infrastructure, improving connectivity, road safety, and overall accessibility.
Among the newly approved projects are some major developments, including the Pantha Chowk flyover in Srinagar, with an allocation of ₹105 crore; the 4-lane Magam flyover, costing ₹445 crore; and two substantial tunnel projects: the 9-km Pir Ki Gali Tunnel (₹3,830 crore) and the 7-km Sadhna Tunnel (₹3,330 crore), both of which are located on NH 701. In addition to the tunnels, the project package also includes several other vital initiatives, such as new bridges, road over bridges (ROBs), and bypasses. Notably, all these projects are marked as high priority, with the exception of the Construction or Improvement of the RKCTC Trehgam-Chamkot road on NH-701. These projects span across various regions of the Union Territory, particularly focusing on critical corridors like NH-701A and NH-444, which are of strategic importance.
The major focus of the new development plan revolves around two tunnel projects—Pir Ki Gali Tunnel and Sadhna Tunnel which together account for nearly 70% of the total ₹10,637 crore budget. The importance of these tunnels cannot be overstated. Pir Ki Gali Tunnel, which is located on the historic Mughal Road, has long been a priority in terms of infrastructure development. Interestingly, the project dates back to 2018 when tenders for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel were floated under the PDP-BJP government. Those project details remain available on the Infracon portal. At the same time, tenders for the preparation of the DPR for other tunnels, such as the Singhpora Vailoo Tunnel and the Sudhmahadev Dranga Tunnel, were also issued in 2018. Construction tenders for the latter projects were subsequently floated in 2023, but Pir Ki Gali Tunnel remained without a tender for construction until now. The reasons for this delay are publicly unknown, but it has taken nearly eight years for the project to receive the final cabinet approval.
The long delay in moving forward with Pir Ki Gali Tunnel can be seen as a case of better late than never. Once completed, the tunnel is expected to significantly reduce travel distance and provide a safe alternative to bypass the treacherous and landslide-prone portions of the Mughal Road. The tunnel will not only ensure more reliable year-round access but will also enhance the region’s strategic connectivity, particularly given the historical importance of the Mughal Road in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the Pir Panjal range.
On the other hand, the Sadhna Tunnel, another vital project in the same batch of approvals, will provide connectivity for the Chowkibal-Tangdhar-Chamkot section. This tunnel, which spans approximately 6 km in length, will bypass the Sadhna Pass, an area that often faces severe weather conditions and becomes inaccessible during the winter months. The DPR for this project is currently being prepared by the consortium of Bernard-Rites-SEC. The tenders for this DPR preparation were floated in December 2018, and while the tunnel has received approval, it is still in the preparatory stages. Like the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel, this project is also crucial for improving accessibility and overall connectivity.
While the recent announcement of these major infrastructure projects has sparked hope and enthusiasm, there are several realities that must be considered before the physical construction begins. A common man may expect these projects to begin soon, possibly by the end of this year, given the high-priority tag attached to them. However, the answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. There are multiple procedural steps and governmental approvals that must be navigated before construction can commence, and this process often takes several years.
Both the Pir Ki Gali and Sadhna Tunnel projects, in particular, must go through an extensive approval process involving several key ministries, including the Forest Ministry, the Defence Ministry, and the Home Ministry. This approval process alone is expected to take a minimum of one year. Apart from this land acquisition is also an important factor. Once these approvals are obtained, the projects will undergo a Public Investment Board (PIB) appraisal to evaluate the cost-benefit ratio. This evaluation process ensures that the projects are financially viable and align with the long-term development goals of the region. Only after this phase will funds be allocated, and tenders for the construction phase will be floated. The tender process itself typically takes an additional six months.
Considering these stages, it is clear that while the government has approved these projects, the actual commencement of construction could take up to two years. This is not an exaggeration but rather the reality of large-scale infrastructure development. Singhpora Vailoo Tunnel and Sudhmahadev Tunnels are prime examples of how these stages play out. Both projects followed a similar procedural timeline, and it is expected that the Pir Ki Gali and Sadhna Tunnels will adhere to the same framework.
Thus, it is important for the public to understand that while the announcement of these infrastructure projects is a positive development, it is only the first step in a much longer process. The decision to grant approval for these projects is undoubtedly a major victory for the region, but it should be noted that the journey from approval to actual construction is complex and time-consuming. There is no magic wand that will instantly bring these projects to life; instead, the path to realization will require patience, persistence, and careful navigation of multiple bureaucratic and governmental stages
Peerzada Mohsin Shafi, from Anantnag, J&K, holds an M. Tech in Infrastructure Development & Management. He is a research scholar, columnist and planning and project contracts expert.
