Minister of State for the Development of North eastern Region, Prime Minister's office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today visited Chenani –Nashri Tunnel and inspected the pace of work on the project. Describing it as a prestigious project, he said that the tunnel is one of the marvels of technology in the field of construction.“It is the matter of pride for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to have this tunnel in the state which will provide all weather connectivity and reduce the distance by 31 km to Kashmir Valley” he said. The union Minister further said that the prime objective of the Government is to encourage capacity building and generate employment for the socio-economic growth of locals. He expressed satisfaction over the employment opportunities being provided to the local unemployed youth through this prestigious project.Stressing on foolproof security, he directed the concerned authorities to make adequate deployment of both police CRPF personnel to guard the subway.
Earlier the Minister chaired an officers’ meeting which was also attended by MLA Chenani, Dina Nath Bhagat, MLA Jamnagar, R.S. Pathania,.The Project Director (IL &FS) Chenani Nashri Tunnel Project, J.S Rathore gave a detailed power point presentation highlighting the salient features of the subway. He informed that the project was started on May 23, 2011 with a total cost of Rs. 2519 crore and latest construction equipment such as Dumpers, jumbos, excavators and ventilation ducts were utilized for its construction.“Due care has been taken on the structural verification of the ventilation, drainage system for the rock mass inflow as well as the platform water and installation of ribs and correct position of the framework prior to final lining concreting”, the Project Director said. It was also informed in the meeting that the tunnel consists of a main tunnel and an escape tunnel (emergency tunnel) which is connected to later by a cross passage.An Integrated Tunnel Control System has also been established which will monitor the Traffic Control with the facility of CCTV, Access Control, Fire alarm, Power supply, Communication, Tunnel Lighting ,Toll and other systems.Rathore told the meeting that the project is likely to be completed within two to three months.