NH144-A widening project: DDC Rajouri kick-started work on 2nd tunnel at Rajal

Shyam Sood

Rajouri, Feb 9: District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Vikas Kundal, on Thursday kick- started the construction work of a tunnel on the National Highway (NH144-A) at Village Rajal.
The double laning project of the Jammu-Poonch National Highway from Akhnoor to Poonch is in progress and BRO is going to construct four tunnels, including two in Rajouri district, which will reduce the distance from 200 Km to 168 Km.
The construction work on the first 2600-meter-long tunnel namely Sungal Tunnel (transportation tunnel at village Sangal) is already going in full swing with a cost of about Rs 423 crore and is expected to be operational in August 24.
The work on the second tunnel at Rajal was kick-started (Bhoomi Poojan) today by Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Vikas Kundal.
The BRO Officer briefed Vikas Kundal that the 700-meter-long tunnel would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 147.36 crore.
Sungal tunnel will reduce the distance of eight kilometers while the tunnel at Rajal when completed would reduce the distance by 3.5 kilometres.
“The tunnel is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local transportation services, making it easier and faster for people to travel between different parts of the region. The tunnel is a major step towards the development of the district and would provide a much-needed boost to the local economy by improving connectivity,” said Vikas Kundal.
He added that the tunnel would bring many benefits to the people of Rajouri, including reduced travel time, improved safety and a more efficient transportation system.
The construction of the tunnel is being carried out by the Border Road Organisation and is expected to be completed within the next one and a half year.
The tunnel will be constructed using state-of-the-art technology and with modern facilities and amenities to ensure the comfort and safety of travelers.
The widening of National Highway 144A is part of the government’s effort to improve the infrastructure in the region and promote economic development.
The highway is a key artery connecting different parts of the region and the tunnel is expected to provide a much-needed boost to local transportation.
He assured the people that the government will continue to work towards improving the infrastructure in the region and providing better facilities and amenities to the people.
The total approximate project cost of widening of Jammu-Poonch National Highway NH144-A, including four laning from Jammu to Akhnoor and two laning from Akhnoor to Poonch, is about Rs 3600 crores.
The double laning of Akhnoor to Poonch has eight sections (three in Rajouri district) out of which work on six sections is in progress and work on the remaining two sections will also be started soon.