BuzzBytes Jammu, Dec 16:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has halted excavation on an 800-meter tunnel along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district following the emergence of cracks. The tunnel, under construction for one-and-a-half years, aimed to bypass landslide-prone areas, reducing the distance between Jammu and Srinagar.
A senior NHAI official confirmed the suspension, citing pressure-related issues leading to cracks. Workers and machinery have been evacuated as a precaution. Engineers are assessing the situation, awaiting a decision from NHAI.
This incident echoes past challenges, with a portion of another tunnel collapsing last year, resulting in casualties. The ongoing four-lane road widening project on NH44, crucial for Kashmir’s connectivity, has faced delays but is anticipated to be completed next year.
NHAI’s efforts to create all-weather connectivity include tunnels like Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Banihal-Qazigund, reducing the distance between Jammu and Srinagar. The recent setback underscores the complexities of infrastructure development in challenging terrains.
