Unlocking Opportunity for a Forgotten Frontier
Mir Shabir
For over seven decades, the people of Machil Valley, nestled in the remote reaches of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, have clung to a singular hope: a tunnel that connects them to opportunity, dignity, and a secure future. The proposed Machil Valley Tunnel, a modest 1 to 2-kilometer passage, is far more than an engineering project—it is a moral and strategic imperative to end the historical neglect faced by a resilient community isolated by harsh terrain and weather. This tunnel promises to deliver year-round access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and security, transforming lives in a region cut off from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir.
Machil Valley, located near the Line of Control (LoC), is one of the most inaccessible regions in the state. Heavy snowfall buries the Kupwara-Machil road via Z Gali Pass for months, with snow accumulation and frequent landslides rendering it impassable. In the winter of 2023, over 5,000 residents across Machil’s villages were stranded for nearly three months, relying on sporadic helicopter drops for essential supplies. This physical isolation breeds profound social, economic, and psychological exclusion. Despite its rich culture, natural beauty, and deep patriotic spirit, Machil lags in development indicators simply because it remains disconnected for much of the year. The tunnel would reduce the 4-5 hour journey to Kupwara to under an hour, fostering inclusion and enabling progress.
The demand for the tunnel spans over 70 years, with thousands of residents across scattered hamlets repeatedly appealing to successive governments. Yet, the project remains stalled, mired in token surveys and unfulfilled promises. Local leaders, including panchayat members, estimate that the tunnel’s modest length could be built at a fraction of the cost of larger projects like the Zojila Tunnel, yet its impact would be transformative. It would lower transport costs, boost tourism, ensure year-round military access, and encourage youth to stay in the region by creating economic opportunities. For instance, improved connectivity could mirror the success of Lolab Valley, where road upgrades in 2023 led to a 30% increase in tourist footfall, a model Machil could emulate.
The lack of connectivity has deadly consequences. The journey from Dudi’s Primary Health Centre to Kupwara’s hospitals takes 4-5 hours, often proving fatal. In 2022, a pregnant woman from Chontiwari village lost her life due to delayed medical access during a snowstorm. A tunnel would cut travel time, saving lives by enabling timely emergency care. Government employees posted in Machil also face harsh conditions, with no proper rest houses or administrative facilities. In 2024, the Dudi PHC operated with just one doctor for over 4,000 residents, as others refused postings due to inaccessibility. A tunnel would enable daily commuting from Kupwara, improving service delivery and staff retention.
Machil’s proximity to the LoC underscores its strategic importance. Snow-blocked roads hinder troop movements and logistics, as seen in January 2024 when a military convoy was stranded for 48 hours. A tunnel would ensure year-round access, enhancing operational readiness and reducing reliance on costly helicopter evacuations. Beyond security, it would unlock Machil’s tourism potential, allowing day trips from Kupwara, Handwara, or Srinagar, boosting eco-tourism and local economies through cultural exchange and sustainable development.
For Machil’s residents, the tunnel is a symbol of national inclusion. “Every winter, we’re cut off, watching our children miss school and patients die on the way to hospitals,” says Ghulam Nabi, a teacher from Ring Bala. “We don’t want luxuries, just a road to be seen.” The tunnel would enable children to attend school, farmers to transport produce without spoilage, and artisans to access markets, fostering economic and social empowerment. “We want to contribute as entrepreneurs and professionals, not just porters,” says Sajid Ahmad, a graduate forced to leave Machil due to limited opportunities.
Indian leaders have long emphasized the importance of connectivity for development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated, “Roads are the lifeline of India’s development, connecting the farthest corners to the mainstream of progress” (2019). Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, overseeing road transport, has echoed this: “Building roads in remote areas is not just about infrastructure; it’s about bringing hope and opportunity to every citizen” (2021). Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee also noted, “Good roads unite people, strengthen economies, and secure our borders” (2003). These sentiments resonate with Machil’s plea, yet the tunnel remains absent from national highway schemes like Bharatmala or PMGSY, unlike faster-progressing projects in Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand.
Despite social media campaigns and petitions to the Prime Minister’s Office, bureaucratic delays persist. The tunnel must be prioritized under schemes like the India-China Border Roads or granted special status for its strategic and humanitarian significance. It is a test of India’s commitment to its most remote citizens, rewarding their resilience and patriotism with dignity. Let Machil’s voices echo beyond the mountains, demanding action now—not later.
