Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today inaugurate India’s longest road tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, making it operational for traffic.
Notably, the new 10.8 kilometre Chenani-Nashri road tunnel is not only India’s but is also the longest highway tunnel in Asia. A high alert has also been issued ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, even as vigilance at the border and at vital installations in Jammu and Kashmir has been stepped up.
The security setup includes elaborate deployments, area domination, checkpoints and alertness in border areas and vigilance at vital installations in the region by various security agencies, a police officer said.
Director General of Police SP Vaid has expressed satisfaction over security arrangements put in place by security agencies for Modi’s visit.
Modi will also address a public rally at Battal Ballian in Udhampur district after inaugurating the tunnel.
Here’s why the tunnel is so special for the country:
- The tunnel will save fuel worth nearly Rs 99 crore a year.
- The tunnel will reduce the travel time between the two state capitals of Jammu and Srinagar by two hours. The distance from Chenani and Nashri will now be 10.9 kms (between two ends of the tunnel), instead of the existing 41 kms.
- It will also be an alternative to the highway which is closed at the time of snow and rains.
- It will boost trade and increase revenue in the state. It will also help boost tourism, which has suffered a lot due to tension in the Valley.
- Commuters will also be able to use their mobile phones inside the tunnel. BSNL, Airtel and Idea have set up facilities inside the tunnel to carry signals.
- Despite having been excavated in a difficult Himalayan region, both tubes are 100% waterproof. There will be no seepage of water from the ceilings or any of the walls of the tunnels.
