CM Omar Abdullah Reviews Strategic 2.7-km Sungal Tunnel Progress on Jammu-Poonch Highway
CM Omar Abdullah Reviews Strategic 2.7-km Sungal Tunnel Progress on Jammu-Poonch Highway
JAMMU: In a significant push to regional connectivity and infrastructure development, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday conducted a high-level review of the 2.79-kilometre-long Sungal Tunnel. This vital project is a cornerstone of the NH-144A expansion, popularly known as the “Golden Arc Road,” which links Jammu to the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
During his visit to the site near Nowshera, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of timely completion, noting that the tunnel is a lifeline for both the civilian population and strategic defense movements in the Pir Panjal region.
A Milestone in the ‘Golden Arc’ Project
The Sungal Tunnel is the second largest of four major tunnels being constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Sampark. Spanning nearly 200 kilometers, the Jammu-Poonch highway upgrade is part of a massive ₹5,100-crore initiative aimed at providing all-weather connectivity to the border areas.
Accompanied by senior officials, CM Omar Abdullah was briefed on the advanced stages of excavation and structural lining. “Our government is committed to ensuring that the distance between Jammu and the border districts is bridged not just by roads, but by world-class engineering that ensures safety and speed,” the CM stated during the inspection.
Technical Specifications & Engineering Marvel
The construction utilizes the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), a sophisticated technique that uses the geological strength of the surrounding rock to stabilize the tunnel structure. This is particularly crucial given the seismic sensitivity (Zone IV) of the Himalayan foothills.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 2.79 Kilometres |
| Highway | NH-144A (Jammu-Poonch) |
| Executing Agency | Border Roads Organisation (BRO) |
| Methodology | NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method) |
| Expected Completion | Late 2026 |
| Primary Objective | All-weather connectivity & Strategic Defense mobility |
Strategic Significance
The Sungal Tunnel, along with the Kandi, Naushera, and Bhimber Gali tunnels, will collectively reduce the road distance by 32 kilometers. More importantly, it will slash travel time between Jammu and Poonch from the current 6-7 hours to approximately 4.5 hours.
Key Benefits:
- Defense Mobility: Facilitates rapid movement of military hardware and personnel to the Line of Control (LoC).
- Economic Growth: Opens up new avenues for local trade, tourism, and easier transport of agricultural produce from Rajouri and Poonch.
- Safety: Provides a secure alternative to the landslide-prone mountainous stretches.
Current Progress Report
Following the breakthrough achieved in May 2024, the project has entered its final structural phase. CM Omar Abdullah’s review today confirmed that the internal lining and ventilation systems are currently being installed. The Chief Minister urged the BRO to maintain the momentum to meet the 2026 deadline, ensuring that the local workforce is utilized effectively in the final stages of completion.
