A two lane T5 tunnel has been developed as a component of the Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44 at Panthyal. The new tunnel was recently thrown open to the public in the Ramsu area of the Ramban district. This brought a big sigh of relief for the commuters, tourists, and passengers on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Here is everything you need to know about the new tunnel.
Everything About The New Tunnel In J&K
A tunnel connecting Panthyal and Magerkote was built at a cost of about ₹100 crore. Even though the new tunnel will only shorten travel time by 1.1 km, it will safeguard human lives, prevent frequent traffic jams on the national highway, and make travel easier.
In Jammu and Kashmir, a 2-lane T5 tunnel spanning 870 meters has been developed at Panthyal as a component of the Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44.#PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti pic.twitter.com/WSXe4mtN2e
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) March 22, 2023
Nitin Gadkari, India’s current Minister of Road Transport and Highways, has shared pictures of this new tunnel on his official Twitter account. He said that the new development is expected to reduce the traffic congestion seen on the national highway.
It will also provide reliable connectivity under all the weather conditions in Kashmir. The place was considered a death trap because of the shooting stones, and this tunnel will surely help circumvent it.
This development is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion on NH and circumvent the hazardous shooting stone location at Panthyal, while also providing reliable connectivity to traffic bound for Kashmir under all weather conditions.#PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti pic.twitter.com/NQxQbmbqWg
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) March 22, 2023
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More Flyover And Bridges Are Expected To Be Thrown Open
Following instructions from J&K Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kimar Mehta through Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mussarat Islam, the tunnel was inaugurated for traffic at a low-key ceremony without drawing any attention to itself. (according to a report by The Indian Express)
Through a bridge, the Panthyal side of the T5 tunnel will be linked to a second, 3 km long tunnel coming from the Digdol side, and the opposite side to a second, 600 m long tunnel coming from Khooni Nullah. Later, a second adjacent tube that runs parallel to T5 will be built.
With Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji at the helm, we remain steadfastly dedicated to facilitating efficient and seamless mobility in the rugged and remote hilly regions.#PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti pic.twitter.com/8FzwYOD7X4
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) March 22, 2023
The tunnel is 880 metres long and was part of a highway realignment project. According to a report by Kashmir Life, the Jaiswal Bridge, the double-lane Ramban Flyover, and the Banihal Bypass will now receive attention because they are anticipated to be finished by the end of this month and on April 15, respectively.
On the highway, each week, traffic-free days are observed to help projects finish on schedule.
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What do you think of this new development? Let us know.
Cover Image Courtesy: @nitingadkari/Twitter