New 2-lane tube parallel to Chenani-Nashri tunnel to be constructed: Jitendra Singh

Jammu, Jun 9: A new two-lane tube tunnel parallel to the existing “Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee tunnel” on Chenani-Nashri route along Srinagar Jammu National Highway (NH 44) in Jammu and Kashmir will be constructed.

This news was shared by the Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh on Tuesday through his social media post for his electorate in Udhampur, while thanking National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

“Another Good News for Udhampur: Thanks to National Highway Authority of India #NHAI and #MORTH Minister Sh @Nitin_Gadkari for accepting our request and proposing the construction of a new two-lane tube tunnel parallel to the existing “DrSyama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel” on Chenani-Nashri route along National Highway 44 in #JammuAndKashmir,” Singh posted.

He said that it would ease the increasing rush of traffic on this section and ensure ease of travel.

“It may be recalled that the ‘Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel’ was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on April 2, 2017,” Singh said.

The 9-km long state-of-the-art ‘Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel’ links Udhampur district to Ramban district of Jammu division.

Being the longest tunnel of its kind – constructed at a cost of Rs 2500 crore, it cuts down distance by 31 km and travel time by two hours.

Through a separate post, the Union Minister of State in PMO Singh thanked the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for acceding to the request for a special train between Jammu and Haridwar on the occasion of “Somvati Amavasya.”

“Good News for #Kathua #Hiranagar #Jammu. Thanks Railway Minister Sh Ashwini Vaishnaw, for accepting the demand to run a special train between Jammu and #Haridwar on the occasion of #Amavasya,” he posted.

Crediting the Prime Minister for serving the people with commitment during 12 years of his government, Singh wrote, “In last 12 years under PM Narendra Modi, there has not been a single demand from the region that has gone unconceded.”

Request for the operation of a special train was made from Jammu to Haridwar on June 14, 2026 and its return journey from Haridwar to Jammu on June 15, 2026, in connection with the religiously significant new moon day (Amavasya), falling on Monday.

Considered to be auspicious by Hindus, the devotees take a dip on this day in sacred Ganga and other rivers.

Later, in consonance with the Minister’s post, Jammu Railway Division of the Northern Railway announced that considering the additional rush of pilgrims on the occasion of “Somvati Amavasya”, it will run a special to- and-fro train between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station and Haridwar for a day.

“Train number 04606 will depart from Katra on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 6.15 pm and will reach Haridwar at 6.30 am the next day. In the return direction, train number 04605 will depart from Haridwar on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5.20 pm and will reach Katra at 7 am the next day. Only one trip of this train will be operated,” said Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Railway Division.

This will be a fully reserved special train. A total of 16 coaches will be attached, including sleeper, general, AC 3-tier and AC 2-tier coaches. The train will halt at major stations en route including Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur, Jammu Tawi, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar Cantt, Ludhiana, Ambala Cantt, Saharanpur and Roorkee.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Jammu Railway Division, UchitSinghal said, “A huge increase in the number of devotees is witnessed on Somvati Amavasya for visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. This special train is being run with the objective of facilitating passengers and managing the extra rush.” He requested passengers to make reservations immediately and travel only with a valid ticket. Passengers have been asked to contact 139 for information regarding ticket availability and reservation status.