Electrical, mechanical works in progress
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Apr 3: In a significant boost to connectivity on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the much-awaited Digdol-Panthyal Twin Tube Tunnels Project in the Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44 is nearing completion, with around 90 percent of the work already accomplished.
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Official sources told the Excelsior that down tube of the tunnel is likely to be made operational by the end of next month and this will be followed by the opening of the second tube within the subsequent two months, marking a major milestone in infrastructure development in the region.
The project comprises four-lane twin tunnels designed to facilitate smooth and all-weather traffic movement along the highway, which often faces disruptions due to landslides and adverse weather conditions.
The downward tube has a length of approximately 3 kilometers, while the upward tube measures around 2.6 kilometers. Each tube has a width of 10 meters, ensuring sufficient space for vehicular movement and enhanced safety standards.
When contacted, Project Director, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Shubham Yadav confirmed that almost 90 percent work has been completed on the twin tunnels between Digdol and Panthyal, which will be thrown open soon.
“All civil construction work on the tunnels has been completed and the remaining work pertains to electrical and mechanical installations, which are currently in full swing,” he said.
The ongoing works include the installation of advanced ventilation systems, CCTV camera networks, traffic signaling mechanisms, and other safety-related infrastructure aimed at ensuring efficient tunnel operations, explained the Project Director.
Being executed at an estimated cost of Rs 866 crore, the project will significantly reduce travel time and improve road safety on this crucial stretch of the highway, which is notorious for fatal accidents, Khooni Nallah, falling rocks and landslides. Travellers often found themselves stranded for hours, sometimes even days, waiting for the road to clear.
Once operational, the tunnels will help people bypass vulnerable sections prone to frequent roadblocks and reach from Digdol to Ramsoo-Magarkot side in just five minutes, thereby providing seamless connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
The completion of the Digdol-Panthyal tunnels is being seen as a key step towards strengthening infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and enhancing economic and tourism prospects in the region. The all weather connectivity will greatly benefit goods transport, tourists and locals in terms of both time and cost. In addition, the reduced travel time will facilitate faster movement of the Army and other security personnel along this critical corridor, enabling quicker response during emergencies and strengthening strategic connectivity in the region.
Being executed by the National Highway Authority of India, work on the Digdol-Panthyal Twin Tube Tunnel Project began in 2022, using New Austrian Tunnel Method (NATM) – a widely used approach for underground excavation in complex geological conditions. The excavation has been carried out through a combination of heading and benching to ensure stability and safety during construction.
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