A major milestone has been achieved by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) with the opening of the 2.79-km Sungal tunnel on the national route between Jammu and Poonch. Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, the head of BRO, expressed hope that this strategically significant project will be finished in the upcoming years.
Sungal is the endpoint of the second tunnel out of four on the vital national route 144-A, sometimes referred to as the “golden arc road,” which links Akhnoor and Poonch. The 700-meter-long Naushera tunnel made its breakthrough earlier on January 28. Concurrently, work is being done on the 1.1 km Bhimber Gali tunnel and the 260 metre Kandi tunnel.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has achieved a significant engineering milestone by breaking through the Sungal Tunnel on the Jammu-Poonch Highway. This breakthrough is expected to enhance connectivity and boost strategic infrastructure in the region, ensuring all-weather access to border areas.
Strategic Importance of the Sungal Tunnel
The Sungal Tunnel is a critical component of the Jammu-Poonch Highway expansion project, designed to improve road connectivity in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel will significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Poonch, providing a safer and more efficient route through challenging mountainous terrain.
Located in a region prone to landslides and harsh weather conditions, the tunnel will facilitate year-round transportation, ensuring uninterrupted movement for civilians, military personnel, and essential supplies. This development aligns with the Indian government’s broader vision of strengthening infrastructure in border areas to improve security and economic growth.
Engineering Challenges and Breakthrough
The construction of the Sungal Tunnel posed several engineering challenges, including difficult geological conditions and unpredictable weather. However, BRO engineers and workers employed advanced tunneling techniques to overcome these obstacles, ensuring steady progress despite the demanding environment.
The breakthrough marks the completion of a crucial phase in the tunnel’s construction. The next steps will focus on lining, ventilation, and road surface development to make the tunnel operational at the earliest.
Impact on Regional Development
- Enhanced Connectivity – The tunnel will shorten travel distances, reducing commute times and improving access to remote areas.
- Boost to Security – Improved road infrastructure will aid the rapid mobilization of defense forces, enhancing national security along the border.
- Economic Growth – Better connectivity will boost trade and tourism, benefiting local businesses and communities.
- Disaster Resilience – The tunnel will provide an alternative route, mitigating disruptions caused by landslides and adverse weather.
The successful breakthrough of the Sungal Tunnel by BRO marks a major achievement in India’s infrastructure development efforts. Once completed, the tunnel will play a crucial role in strengthening connectivity, enhancing regional security, and driving economic progress in Jammu and Kashmir.
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