JAMMU, June 09, 2026 : In a significant infrastructure development for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced the approval of a proposal to construct a new two-lane tube tunnel parallel to the existing Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel on the strategically important Chenani–Nashri stretch of National Highway-44.
Describing the project as “another good news for Udhampur,” Dr. Singh expressed gratitude to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for approving the proposal aimed at easing the growing traffic pressure on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Taking to social media platform X, Dr. Singh said, “Thanks to NHAI and MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari for accepting our request and proposing the construction of a new two-lane tube tunnel parallel to the existing Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel on the Chenani-Nashri route along NH-44 in Jammu and Kashmir. This will ease the increasing rush of traffic on this section and ensure ease of travel.”
The proposed tunnel is expected to significantly enhance traffic handling capacity, improve road safety, and strengthen the resilience of the crucial highway corridor that serves as the primary lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
Dr. Singh also recalled that the existing Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, formerly known as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 2, 2017. The engineering marvel, stretching 9.28 kilometres, is a twin-tube all-weather road tunnel built through the lower Himalayan range at an altitude of approximately 1,200 metres above sea level.
Recognized as one of India’s most important road infrastructure projects, the tunnel has drastically reduced travel time between Jammu and Srinagar while improving year-round connectivity and reducing risks associated with adverse weather conditions.
The tunnel was officially renamed in October 2019 in honour of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Officials believe the construction of the parallel tunnel will play a crucial role in meeting future transportation demands, minimizing congestion, and ensuring smoother movement of civilian and commercial traffic along the heavily used NH-44 corridor.
The approval marks another major step in the ongoing modernization of Jammu and Kashmir’s road infrastructure and is expected to further strengthen connectivity, economic activity, and regional development.
