The Union government's recent approval of 19 major road and tunnel projects, totaling ₹10,637 crore, for Jammu and Kashmir has sparked considerable excitement and political discussion. Among these projects, the Peer Ki Gali tunnel on the historical Mughal Road stands out, promising year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region. This development has been particularly lauded by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has called it a "major achievement of my government."
The Mughal Road, an 84-kilometer stretch linking Shopian in Kashmir Valley with Poonch in Jammu, holds significant historical and strategic importance. Construction of a modern road on this route began in the 1970s under Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's government but faced delays. It was revived in 2003 by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's government, and by 2009, during Omar Abdullah's tenure, traffic was allowed. However, the road's operation has been limited to the summer months due to heavy snowfall at Peer Ki Gali and Bafliaz, making it impassable during winter.
The proposed Peer Ki Gali tunnel aims to transform the Mughal Road into an all-weather route, providing a crucial alternative to the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. The National Conference government has been actively advocating for this tunnel project for the past eight months, engaging in multiple discussions with the central government, particularly the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Omar Abdullah has emphasized the strategic and commercial value of the tunnel, highlighting that it will ensure continuous connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu. He recalled his first drive on the Mughal Road in 2009 and how his party and government have since been pushing for the tunnel's construction. The project's approval is seen as the culmination of years of efforts.
In addition to the Peer Ki Gali tunnel, the approved projects include the Sadhana Tunnel, which will connect Kupwara with the border region of Karnah at an estimated cost of ₹3,330 crore. Omar Abdullah has also expressed his intention to pursue a tunnel project for the Gurez Valley in north Kashmir, indicating a broader vision for improving connectivity across the region.
The approval of these projects has triggered political discussions about who deserves the credit. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Omar Abdullah both thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for their support. The National Conference has asserted that their government successfully convinced the Union government to undertake these key infrastructure projects. Some observers have noted the timing of announcements from different political entities, suggesting a competition to claim ownership of the achievement. A senior political analyst noted that the struggle is about who steers J&K's development, the elected representatives or the Centre's appointees.
Beyond the political considerations, the Mughal Road tunnel represents a significant step forward for Jammu and Kashmir's infrastructure. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has sanctioned the Pir Ki Gali and Sadhna tunnel projects at estimated costs of ₹3,830 crore and ₹3,330 crore respectively. The detailed project reports (DPRs) will be transferred from the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This transition suggests a focus on efficient and strategic implementation, particularly given the region's security considerations. Once completed, the tunnel promises to boost the economy, facilitate tourism, and enhance the overall quality of life for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir by providing reliable, year-round connectivity.
