The much-awaited Sungal Tunnel on the Jammu–Poonch street was inaugurated on Saturday by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), offering a significant enhance to connectivity for commuters travelling in direction of Rajouri, Poonch, Nowshera and surrounding areas.
The tunnel, constructed via the Kalidhar Vary, will bypass a troublesome stretch of the prevailing route and is anticipated to cut back the journey distance by round 11 to 13 kilometres, moreover saving appreciable journey time.
The event comes because the widening and upgradation work on the Akhnoor–Rajouri–Poonch street continues at a fast tempo.
The Sungal Tunnel is roughly 2.79 kilometres lengthy and has been constructed at an estimated price of round Rs 600 crore. Whereas the tunnel has now been opened for public motion, some building and ending work continues to be underway.
In the intervening time, solely gentle automobiles have been permitted to make use of the tunnel. Heavy automobiles, buses and items carriers haven’t but been allowed, as sure works stay incomplete. Sources point out that heavy automobile motion could possibly be permitted within the coming months as soon as the remaining work is accomplished.
The tunnel had been on the centre of public consideration, with residents repeatedly demanding its opening. Earlier, the BRO had indicated that the tunnel could be opened to the general public on August 22. Nonetheless, in a major Independence Day present, it was opened, bringing aid to commuters.
The tunnel will stay open for gentle automobiles from 8 AM to eight PM. After 8 PM, the tunnel will probably be closed to all vehicular motion.
The opening of Sungal Tunnel, together with the already operational Kandi Tunnel situated a number of kilometres behind it, is anticipated to considerably enhance street connectivity and ease journey in direction of the Pir Panjal area.
Native residents have welcomed the event, calling it an vital step in direction of safer, quicker and extra handy connectivity.
