SRINAGAR: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed the construction of a new two-lane tube tunnel parallel to the existing Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel on the Chenani–Nashri section of National Highway-44 in Jammu and Kashmir, a move aimed at addressing increasing traffic volume and improving travel efficiency on the strategic corridor.
Another Good News for #Udhampur:
Thanks to National Highway Authority of India #NHAI and #MORTH Minister Sh @Nitin_Gadkari for accepting our request and proposing the construction of a new two-lane tube tunnel parallel to the existing “Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel” on…
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) June 9, 2026
The proposal was announced by Union Minister and Member of Parliament from Udhampur, Jitendra Singh, who said the decision was taken after the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), headed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, accepted a request for the additional tunnel.
According to Singh, the proposed tunnel will help decongest traffic on the busy highway stretch and enhance the ease of travel for commuters and transporters using the route.
The existing Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, formerly known as the Chenani–Nashri Tunnel, is a key infrastructure project on NH-44 connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley. The tunnel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 2, 2017.
The proposed parallel tube is expected to strengthen traffic management and improve operational efficiency on one of the region’s most important road links.
Further details regarding the project’s cost, timeline and execution are awaited.
