Jammu, Apr 14: Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh Tuesday announced that the approval was granted (by the Centre) for the construction of uni-directional twin tube Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnels and the twin tube Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel on NH-244 in Jammu and Kashmir, at a total cost of Rs 9779.42 Cr.
Singh, who also represents Doda-Kathua-Udhampur parliamentary constituency in Lok Sabha, shared this positive development for Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur districts on his social media handle.
While extending his gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “always prioritising J&K related issues”, the Union Minister asserted that the approval also dispelled the rumours spread about the abandoning of the project.
Vital projects are significant as they will bolster connectivity with all-weather access besides expediting economic boom across the Chenab valley, Udhampur and adjoining regions.
“Approval has been granted for the construction of uni-directional twin tube Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnels (length 12.85 km, including 2 L (lane) + Paved Shoulder (PS) approaches) and the twin tube Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel (length 38.61 km, including 2L + PS approaches) on NH-244 in #JammuAndKashmir, at a total cost of Rs 9779.42 Cr,” Union Minister of State in PMO posted on his social media handle, with the screaming tagline in bold, “Heartening news for districts Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur.”
“This dispels all the misguided rumours floated in recent months that the project had been abandoned. Thanks PM Shri Narendra Modi for always prioritising J&K related issues,” Singh posted.
Reference was to the official approval through an Office Memorandum issued by the (Union) Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, confirming the minutes of the Public Investment Board (PIB) meeting held on April 7, 2026, thereby formalising the transformative project.
Through the Office Memorandum, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India forwarded to the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways – the minutes of the Public Investment Board meeting held on April 7, 2026 in the Department of Expenditure under the chairpersonship of Secretary, Department of Expenditure to consider the proposal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for “Construction of uni-directional twin tube Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnels (length 12.85 Km including 2L + PS approaches) and twin tube Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel (Length 38.61Km including 2L + PS approaches) on NH-244 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on EPC ((Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) mode.”
“This issues with the approval of the Secretary, Department of Expenditure,” the Office Memorandum read.
Earlier on April 7, 2026, Singh, while chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Doda, had also addressed concerns regarding the Sudhmahadev tunnel.
He had clarified that reports about stoppage of work were incorrect. The Union Minister said the earlier tender was cancelled because of the security issue related to the allottee. He said that a new tender would be floated soon.
Notably the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too had recently written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari seeking early completion of both the projects.
Prior to it, on March 25, 2026, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, while replying to National Conference MP Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo’s question in Rajya Sabha about the present status, DPR, tendering, land acquisition, environment and security clearances, funds sanctioned and released, work awarded and timeline fixed for the projects related to the Sudhmahadev-Chenani tunnel, Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel besides other tunnels and road projects had informed that DPRs were completed for both the projects.
“Sudhmahadev-Dranga and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnels fall under National Highway (NH) 244. The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these tunnels have been completed by National Highways Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NHIDCL),” Gadkari stated.
“The Sudhmahadev-Daranga tunnel including approaches is having a length of 12.85 km and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel including approaches is having a length of 38.61 km. The projects for construction of these tunnels are at appraisal stage,” the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways had informed.
Regarding road projects, Gadkari had informed that the road stretch of Batote-Doda-Kishtwar is divided into two stretches.
“The Batote-Khellani section of NH-244 is of 2-lane standards. However, due to deficient alignment having steep curves, this stretch is to be bypassed through development of Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Goha-Khellani greenfield alignment. Out of total length of 38 km from Chenani to Khellani (excluding Sudhmadev-Dranga tunnel portion) the 2-lane has been completed in 34 km and 2-laning is in progress in the remaining 4 km, which is scheduled to be completed by October, 2026,” he said.
“The Khellani-Doda-Kishtwar section of NH-244 (112.66 km) is being developed to 2-lane with paved shoulders configuration in 9 civil work contract packages, of which, 47.38 km length has been completed and remaining length is in progress,” Gadkari shared.
Meanwhile, MLA Inderwal Pyare Lal Sharma, while hailing the official approval to the long-pending demand for the Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel, described it as a monumental boost to infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.
“This long-awaited dream project is being widely hailed as a game-changer for the Chenab valley. By ensuring all-weather connectivity between the Chenab valley and the Kashmir Valley, the tunnel is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two regions, boost trade, tourism, and overall economic activity and ensure uninterrupted connectivity during harsh winter months,” Sharma pointed out.
He expressed immense satisfaction and heartfelt gratitude, calling the approval a historic achievement for the people of the region. He emphasised that the realisation of this decades-old demand reflected the coordinated and committed efforts of both central and UT leadership.
In his statement, he extended special thanks to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his visionary leadership in enhancing national connectivity; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for prioritising regional development; Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh for his persistent efforts at the Union level; Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary for his steadfast support and MP Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo for his significant role in advancing the project through legislative and administrative channels.
Sharma termed the approval of the tunnel as not just an infrastructure project, but a symbol of progress, connectivity, and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
