JAMMU, MAR 27: Several strategically important tunnel projects in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory remain stuck in the appraisal stage, while the widening of National Highway‑244 from Batote to Anantnag via Kishtwar—a critical alternative corridor to the Kashmir Valley—is progressing in slow, patchy phases.
A detailed reply by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to a question in the Rajya Sabha, addressed to National Conference MP Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, reveals that ambitious connectivity plans are being held back by land disputes, weather disruptions, security constraints and poor contractor performance.
The Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnel (12.85 km including approaches) and the Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel (38.61 km including approaches), both under NH‑244, have had their Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) prepared by NHIDCL, but are yet to move to tendering or construction. Similarly, the proposed Peer Ki Gali tunnel on the Shopian–Bafliaz axis of NH‑701A is still in the DPR stage, with alignment yet to be finalised.
Packages under the existing Batote–Doda–Kishtwar stretch of NH‑244 show a mixed picture: the Chenani–Khellani section is nearing completion, with 34 km of 2‑laning done and the remaining 4 km expected by October this year. However, the Khellani–Doda–Kishtwar stretch (112.66 km) is vastly uneven, with around 47.38 km completed and the rest unevenly distributed across nine packages, some still below 50% completion and slated for finish only by 2027.
Official sources said these projects are vital for travel, tourism, economic activity and security logistics, and warned that without strict timelines, contractor accountability, and high‑level real‑time monitoring, J&K’s long‑pending connectivity goals may remain trapped in a cycle of announcements and deferments.
