The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has completed extensive renovations of the Jawahar Tunnel, a historic 2.5 km-long twin-tube structure built in 1956, located in Jammu & Kashmir. The upgraded tunnel is set to open for public use in December 2024, bringing it on par with modern tunnels by incorporating state-of-the-art technology to improve security, safety, and user comfort.
Key Features of the Renovation:
- Project Details:
- Undertaken via Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode.
- Funded by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways at a cost of ₹62.5 crore.
- Managed by Project Beacon of the BRO, the work was completed in nearly one year.
- Upgraded Infrastructure:
- Civil and Electro-Mechanical Works: Includes structural rehabilitation and technological upgrades.
- Advanced Monitoring Systems:
- 76 high-definition CCTV cameras for continuous surveillance.
- Smoke and fire sensors to enhance safety.
- SCADA systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) for centralized control and automation.
- A centralized monitoring room for real-time supervision.
- Significance of the Jawahar Tunnel:
- It serves as a vital link through the Pir Panjal range, connecting the Kashmir Valley and Leh with the rest of India.
- Acts as an alternative route to NH-44, playing a crucial role in maintaining connectivity during emergencies.
- Used by vehicles carrying oil tankers, explosives, and gasoline, which are prohibited in the Quazikund-Banihal Tunnel.
- Strategic and Economic Importance:
- The renovation enhances the reliability and functionality of the tunnel, critical for trade and transportation in the region.
- The improved infrastructure is expected to boost regional connectivity and safety, contributing to the socio-economic development of Jammu & Kashmir.
This upgrade by BRO underscores its commitment to enhancing infrastructure in challenging terrains, ensuring safer and more efficient travel while supporting India’s strategic connectivity goals.