CM Omar Reviews Progress of 2.7-Km Sungal Tunnel on Jammu–Poonch Highway | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inspected the ongoing construction work of the 2.79-kilometre Sungal Tunnel on the Jammu–Poonch Highway, which is expected to be completed later this year.

On his way to Nowshera, the Chief Minister today inspected the ongoing works on the Sungal Tunnel project and reviewed the progress on site. During the visit, he was briefed by officials on the current status of construction, including excavation, structural works, and associated… pic.twitter.com/QppEgzQUuc

— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) April 20, 2026

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, he reviewed the progress of the project while travelling towards Nowshera. Officials briefed him on the current status of work, including excavation, structural development, and related road connectivity works.

The Sungal Tunnel, which will connect Akhnoor and Poonch, is the second among four tunnels on the strategically important highway—commonly referred to as the “golden arc road”—to reach a significant stage of construction.

Officials said the tunnel is a key infrastructure project aimed at strengthening all-weather connectivity between Akhnoor and Poonch and is being executed by the Border Roads Organisation. The project is reported to be in its advanced stages.

The “golden arc road,” a nearly 200-kilometre strategic corridor, links south Kashmir with western districts and important border areas including Akhnoor, Rajouri, and Poonch.

The highway comprises four major tunnels—Kandi, Sungal, Naushera, and Bhimber Gali—being developed to improve connectivity and ensure year-round accessibility in the region. The 700-metre Naushera tunnel has already been completed, while work on the 260-metre Kandi tunnel and the 1.1-kilometre Bhimber Gali tunnel is currently underway.