BRO Completes Renovation of Jawahar Tunnel in J&K

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has completed the renovation of the 2.5 km-long twin-tube Jawahar Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir, set to open to the public in December 2024. The ₹62.5 crore project, funded by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, was completed within a year using BRO’s Project Beacon’s EPC model.

Modernization of security measures included 76 high-definition CCTV cameras, smoke and fire sensors, SCADA systems, and a centralized monitoring room, enhancing safety, security, and user comfort. The Jawahar tunnel, a vital passage through the Pir-Panjal range, connects Kashmir valley and Leh with India, serving vehicles like oil tankers and explosives.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully completed an extensive renovation of the historic 2.5-kilometer twin-tube Jawahar Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir. Originally constructed in 1956, this vital passage through the Pir Panjal range has been upgraded to enhance security, safety, and user comfort, incorporating state-of-the-art modern technology to meet contemporary standar

Project Overview

Initiated in July 2023 under Project Beacon, the renovation was executed through the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode at a cost of ₹62.5 crore, funded by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. The project reached completion within approximately one year, with the renovated tunnel scheduled to reopen to the public in December 2024.

The comprehensive upgrade encompassed both civil and electro-mechanical works, bringing the tunnel in line with modern infrastructure standards. Notable enhancements include:

• Advanced Surveillance and Monitoring: Installation of 76 high-definition CCTV cameras, smoke and fire sensors, and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, all managed from a centralized monitoring room for real-time supervision. pib.gov.in
• Improved Ventilation and Lighting: Implementation of ventilation jet fans and an upgraded lighting system to ensure better air quality and visibility within the tunnel. dailyexcelsior.com
• Structural Rehabilitation: Addressing severe seepage issues that had previously damaged the road surface, the renovation included laying concrete in both tubes to improve the riding surface and overall structural integrity. dailyexcelsior.com

Historical Significance

The Jawahar Tunnel has historically served as a crucial link through the Pir Panjal range, connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. Prior to the construction of alternative routes, it was the sole gateway to Kashmir, playing a pivotal role in the region’s connectivity and economic integration.

With the completion of these renovations, the Jawahar Tunnel is now equipped to provide safer and more efficient passage for travelers. The integration of modern technology and infrastructure improvements not only preserves the tunnel’s historical importance but also enhances its functionality to meet current transportation demands.

The successful execution of this project by the BRO underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure in challenging terrains, ensuring sustained connectivity and development in the region.

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