3 KMs long tunnel to reduce travel time between Akhnoor-Sunderbani

The distance on Jammu-Poonch national highway will be reduced by a few kilometers with a three-kilometre long tunnel upcoming at Chowki Chaura in Akhnoor tehsil of Jammu.

The travelers especially those travelling to Sunderbani in Rajouri district will get highly benefited with the infrastructure on the pattern of Chenani-Nashri Tunnel.

“The construction work of the tunnel at Chowki Chaura in Akhnoor between Jammu-Poonch four-lane highway has started,” said an official.

The 3-km long tunnel, he said will reduce the distance between Akhnoor to Sunderbani by ten kilometers, adding, “coming up under the supervision of Border Road Organisation, the tunnel will be constructed on the lines of Chenani-Nashri tunnel at the cost Rs.475 crore.”

Hilly belt Chowki Chaura in Akhnoor starts from village Kanidi and the tube will exit at Ramini Mankhia Godar.
“A period of three years has been fixed for the construction of the tunnel and once completed, the distance will reduce by ten kilometers particularly at the spots that have curves on the hilly road,” he added.

“The demand for expansion of Jammu-Poonch highway and construction of a tunnel was cleared by the Union Minister for Roads and Transport Nitin Gadkari and finally the dream is coming true,” he added.

“The people of the area will be benefited a lot with the construction of the tunnel,” said a local, adding that people from Chowki Chaura and Sunderbani often travel both sides to attend duties and many those who are dealing in trade.

“Due to the tunneling, they will be able to reach the destination in a short time and apart from Jammu-Poonch the tunnel will also benefit many Panchayats of Akhnoor, Chowki Chaura and Rah Salot,” he added.