Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 4: Tarun Chugh, BJP National General Secretary, has hailed the upgradation of the Khellani tunnel by the Narendra Modi Government, anticipating that it will usher in new avenues for development and progress in the region.
He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Roads & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, for this significant initiative in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chugh emphasized that this tunnel’s upgradation will not only create job opportunities for the local population but also boost tourism in the area.
The project involves converting the existing unidirectional Khellani tunnel in Doda district into a two-lane structure on NH-244. It’s a part of the Sudh Mahadev-Goha-Khellani-Chatroo-Khanabal route, serving as an alternate highway to Batote-Kishtwar.
Experts believe that this development will reduce the distance between Doda and Kishtwar by 30 kilometres, ultimately benefiting the local population. The project, spanning 2.419 kilometers and falling within package 3, is estimated to cost over Rs 431 crore and is set to be completed within the current year.
Chugh also highlighted the positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, emphasizing the dawn of peace, prosperity, and development in the region.
He reiterated the BJP Government’s commitment, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, to bring about significant improvements in Jammu and Kashmir’s local economy and overall well-being.