The 6.8km tunnel is expected to take four years to build and will replace the Chhatergala Pass, which is at an altitude of 3,200m and is prone to closure in poor weather. Once the tunnel is open, it will allow faster and safer journeys between Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition, the NHAI will manage the work for the new National Highway linking Lakhanpur and Doda. The highway will provide a new and faster route for drivers, cutting journey times while boosting transport safety. Roads at higher altitudes in northern India can be particularly challenging for drivers, with blockages and closures due to snow a frequent problem. The arduous weather can also result in rapid degradation of road surfaces, presenting additional hazards. Safety is also a key concern on many routes.
