Banihal, Nov 23 (KNS): The renovation of the 2.5 km-long Jawahar Tunnel, connecting Jammu to Srinagar, is almost complete.

In an interview with KNS,  Commander Amiya Shrivastava of the 760 BRTF said that historic tunnel was built in the 1960s that it sits at an altitude of 9,000 feet and consists of two tubes, known as the Eastern and Western tubes.

The rehabilitation project was initiated due to persistent issues like seepage, poor surface conditions, and outdated ventilation and lighting systems. "We started the work in July last year and are now wrapping it up. Improvements include a new concrete surface, advanced jet fans for ventilation, a modern lighting system, emergency speakers, road signs, and a SCADA system to monitor and control the tunnel operations from a central control room," he detailed.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Commander Shrivastava highlighted that while most traffic now uses the NH44 Banihal-Qazigund tunnel, the Jawahar Tunnel is critical for transporting inflammable materials and providing a backup route in emergencies. Local villagers and security forces, including CRPF units, continue to rely on it regularly.

"The upgrades ensure the tunnel remains operational and safe for its designated purposes. We are proud to have completed this project on time," he added. (KNS)