Srinagar: The highly anticipated Chhatergala tunnel project, costing around Rs. 4000 crore, is set to be executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Additionally, underpasses along the Kathua Express corridor section will be constructed wherever demanded by the public, announced Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh after a comprehensive meeting chaired by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
The meeting, which lasted nearly four hours, focused on reviewing key road and tunnel projects in Jammu & Kashmir. Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his satisfaction and gratitude to Minister Gadkari for accepting most of the proposals presented.
“The proposal for the Chhatergala tunnel was initiated about six years ago, and while the DPR was prepared by the BRO agency of ‘Beacons’, it could not proceed due to a lack of funds. Now, with NHAI taking over, the construction of the new national highway from Lakhanpur to Basohli-Bani to Bhaderwah-Doda will commence, including the historic Chhatergala tunnel,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Dr. Singh emphasized that the completion of this highway will be transformative, providing all-weather connectivity between Lakhanpur and district Doda via tourist spots like Basohli and Bani, significantly reducing travel time and boosting business, employment, and revenue generation.
He also mentioned the under-construction Delhi-Katra express corridor, recalling the efforts since 2015 to get it approved. After negotiating for an express corridor for both Amritsar and Katra, the project was finalized with stops at Amritsar and Kathua. Dr. Singh reported that the corridor is in its final phase and that the demand for underpasses at Hatli, Rajbagh, Chann Arorian, Chapper, and Kootah has been approved for local convenience.
Furthermore, the national highway section of Kishtwar-Chatru will be expedited, providing alternative road connectivity to ease travel. Dr. Singh highlighted another significant project, the Chenani-Sudhmahadev national highway, and the new highway from Khileni to Goha, which will connect to villages like Bergana, Humbal, and Kalota—his native village.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for allocating major highway projects to his Lok Sabha constituency. He also acknowledged the focus on ongoing projects such as the Srinagar-Sonamarg section, Zojila tunnel, Jammu-Rajouri highway, and the two ring roads in Srinagar and Jammu.
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