Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 4: Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal today inspected the construction work of the tunnel at Chenani.
He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and Deputy Commissioner Doda Bhupinder Kumar. The 9 kilometres, 2-lane main tunnel is in completion stage to link Chenani with Nashri in Ramban area to slash 31 kilometers of the journey making the travel smooth and comfortable by reducing the journey by 2 hours.
The Divisional Commissioner inspected various aspects of the tunnel project including main tunnel, escape tunnel, cross passages, drainage system of the tunnel etc. He was apprised that construction of escape tunnel is completed and construction of 350 meters of main tunnels is left on 9 km long two- lane main tunnel which is likely to be completed by May 2016. He was apprised that cross passage is constructed at every 350 meters and briefed about the drainage system in the tunnel.
Dr. Kotwal also enquired about the tunnel monitoring infrastructure system. He also stressed for inclusion of genuine CDM project for claiming and monetizing carbon credits.
He asked both the DCs that there should be no compromise with the trespassing of the tunnel before its completion and passenger vehicles shall not be allowed in view of safety reasons. Project Director, National Highway Authority of India assured that by July 2016, Chenani Nashri tunnel project will be completed.
Earlier, Dr Kotwal inspected National Highway and reviewed arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra at udhampur.
ADC Angrez Singh Rana, SSP Suleman Choudhary, Project Director, NHAI, R P Singh, Project Director, IL&FS, T.S Rathore, district officers of the Udhampur district were present on the occasion.