By Peerzada Mohsin Shafi

Srinagar- After months of uncertainty, the long-pending Singhpora–Vailoo Tunnel Project on the NH-244 corridor has received a renewed push from the government. Officials informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the strategically important tunnel is being revised by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to incorporate essential technical changes.

The clarification came in response to a query by MLA Payare Lal, who sought an update on the project's status. Once the revised DPR is finalised, it will be submitted to the Public Investment Board (PIB) for appraisal, likely next month, officials said.

Reinforcing the momentum, newly elected Rajya Sabha member Sajad Kichloo expressed confidence that the long-awaited tunnel would soon see tangible progress. He underscored the project's significance for the people of Chenab Valley and Kashmir, who have long demanded an all-weather link to overcome recurring disruptions on the Srinagar–Jammu Highway during winters.

Initially approved on July 18, 2022, under Bharatmata Pariyojna Phase-I and entrusted to NHIDCL, the project faced delays after the tendering process was cancelled in 2024 due to pending security clearances.

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