SRINAGAR: The Government of India on Monday presented a detailed status report in the Rajya Sabha on key road, tunnel and highway projects in Jammu and Kashmir, outlining progress, timelines and reasons for delays in major infrastructure works across the Union Territory.
Replying to an unstarred question by Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari said several strategic projects are at different stages of execution, with significant focus on National Highway-244.
The Minister stated that the Sudhmahadev–Dranga and Singhpora–Vailoo tunnels on NH-244 have their Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) completed by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited and are currently under appraisal. The Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnel, including approaches, is planned to be 12.85 km long, while the Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel will span 38.61 km.
He further informed that the proposed Peer Ki Gali tunnel on the Shopian–Bafliaz stretch of NH-701A is under DPR preparation by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Works Department. The alignment is being finalised, and the project is expected to be considered in the 2026–27 Annual Plan after completion of the DPR.
The Centre clarified that projects such as the Chanjer–Bonda Tunnel, Chaidraman–Warwan Tunnel, Padder–Zanskar Road and Doda–Dessa–Kapran Road are not part of the National Highway network and therefore do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
On the Batote–Doda–Kishtwar stretch of NH-244, the Minister said the project has been divided into two main sections. The Batote–Khellani stretch is being bypassed through the Chenani–Sudhmahadev–Goha–Khellani greenfield alignment. Of the total 38 km, 34 km has been completed, while work on the remaining 4 km is underway and is expected to be finished by October 2026.
The Khellani–Doda–Kishtwar section, spanning 112.66 km, is being upgraded to a two-lane carriageway with paved shoulders across nine packages. So far, 47.38 km has been completed, while the remaining stretch is under execution.
Several packages are nearing completion, including the Chenani–Sudhmahadev, Goha–Khellani (both packages), Dhrabshalla–Kishtwar and Bandarkoot–Chattroo stretches. The Khellani tunnel has already been completed, while some stretches like Premnagar–New Thatri and the Kishtwar bypass are still under progress and are expected to be completed by 2026 and 2027, respectively.
The government attributed delays to multiple factors such as land acquisition issues, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adverse weather conditions including rainfall, snowfall and landslides, difficult terrain, utility shifting, slow contractor progress, security-related disruptions, local issues and logistical constraints due to NH-44 closures.
Despite these challenges, the Centre said work is progressing across all packages, with several projects likely to be completed by 2026 and others extending into 2027. Once completed, these projects are expected to significantly improve connectivity, travel efficiency and regional integration in districts such as Doda and Kishtwar.
