Last Updated on June 15, 2021 at 4:34 pm
While the construction of the strategic Banihal-Qazigund tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been completed, its inauguration is getting delayed as security gadgets from Singapore have yet to reach for installation.
The tunnel will provide another road link between Jammu and the Kashmir valley.
Union Secretary Road Transport & Highways, Giridhar Aramane, who recently inspected the all weather tunnel said that supply of security gadgets has been delayed due to restrictions on international flights due to Covid-19.
Foundation stone of the 8 kms long tunnel was laid in 2011 during the Congress led UPA regime. It will reduce the travel distance on the highway by 16 kms.
The tunnel is expected to be thrown open in the next few days but motorists have started posting on social media their pictures in the tunnel.
The double-tube tunnel will also cut the drive to the existing tunnel at a greater height in the Pir-Panjal mountain range. The tunnel is shut for vehicular traffic due to slippery condition of highway in winters when there is snowfall.
Construction of the new tunnel has been undertaken as part of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway widening project.
The trial of various facilities inside the tunnel including ventilation set up and CCTVs has already started and the tunnel is expected to be thrown open in coming weeks.
