The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has
successfully finished the large-scale renovation of the iconic 2.5 km-long
twin-tube Jawahar Tunnel, in Jammu & Kashmir. Initially built in 1956, the
rebuilt tunnel, located in the Pir Panjal mountain range, will reopen to the
public in December 2024, offering improved safety, protection, and user
convenience through cutting-edge technology upgrades.
Undertaken by BRO’s Project Beacon, the renovation
was completed in just one year at a cost of ₹62.5 crore, financed by the
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. The project was executed under the
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) standard, integrating important
civil and electro-mechanical upgrades.
Key elements of the upgraded Jawahar Tunnel
include:
- 76
high-definition CCTV cameras for improved
surveillance
- Smoke
and fire detection systems for improved safety
- Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
- A centralized
monitoring room for real-time surveillance
- The Jawahar Tunnel holds historical and strategic
importance, acting as a vital link connecting
the Kashmir Valley and Leh with the rest of India. Post-renovation, it will
serve as an alternate route to NH-44. The tunnel is meant for vehicles such as
oil tankers, gasoline carriers, and vehicles hauling explosives, which are
prohibited from using the recently built Quazigund-Banihal tunnel.
The modernization of the Jawahar Tunnel not only
maintains its legacy but also brings it on par with international norms,
reaffirming its significance as a critical infrastructure project in the
region. (PR)