Govt Says DPR for Sadhna Tunnel in Kupwara in Progress; Kishtwar Link Project Under Review

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Sadhna Tunnel in Karnah area of Kupwara district is currently being prepared.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone, the government said the alignment of the tunnel is being finalised in consultation with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The proposed project is aimed at ensuring improved and all-weather connectivity to the remote Karnah region, which often remains cut off during winter months due to heavy snowfall.

Regarding the proposed Singhpora–Vailoo Tunnel linking South Kashmir with Kishtwar district, the government stated that the project was initially sanctioned under the Bharatmala Pariyojana scheme to facilitate seamless connectivity between the two regions.

However, with the Bharatmala Pariyojana scheme no longer under implementation, the project is presently under consideration for re-sanction under the National Highways (Original) [NH(O)] scheme.

The House was further informed that the project, once cleared, will be executed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) as the implementing agency.