Srinagar, Apr 15: Fresh tenders will be invited soon for the Singhpora–Vailoo and Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnel projects after the Centre approved them, officials said.
“Now that we have received official communication regarding approval, we will proceed with re-tendering the Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel,” National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) General Manager Raghu Nath Sharma told Greater Kashmir.
“We would also invite tenders for the Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnel project,” he said.
The tunnels are part of National Highway-244 (Anantnag–Kishtwar–Batote–Chenani corridor), a key route connecting Kashmir with the Chenab Valley.
Sharma said land acquisition for approach roads on both sides of the Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel has been completed.
“An amount of Rs 78 crore has been sanctioned, and more than half of the compensation has already been disbursed,” he said. “On the Jammu side, acquisition is also complete and compensation is underway.”
The total length of the approach roads for the Singhpora-Vailoo project is over 38.61 km while that of the Sudhmahadev-Dranga project is 12.85 km.
“Land acquisition for the approach road to the Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnel has also been completed and compensation is in progress,” he said.
“Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for both tunnels already stand finalised,” Sharma said.
The approval has revived optimism among residents across Jammu and Kashmir regions who have long awaited reliable, year-round connectivity.
“The Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel is a lifeline. “We have been waiting for it for a decade, but every time our hopes were dashed,” said Advocate Sheikh Nasir, President of the Kishtwar Bar Association.
He said they are now hopeful that work on the project will begin soon without any further delay.
Ishtiyaq Ahmad Dev, a social activist from Doda, said the Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnel is urgently needed due to frequent road subsidence.
“The condition of the road is worsening, and this tunnel is essential for safe connectivity,” he said.
“This Singhpora–Vailoo project has been a dream for us. It will make life easier during harsh winters,” said Muhammad Shafi, a trader in Kishtwar, referring to hardships caused by seasonal road closures.
Muhammad Amin, a businessman from Kokernag, said improved connectivity would boost economic activity.
“Better connectivity will strengthen the local economy and improve inter-regional access,” he said.
On Tuesday the Centre approved construction of the twin-tube tunnels on the Anantnag–Kishtwar–Batote corridor at a total cost of Rs 9779.42 crore.
The approval was formalised through an Office Memorandum issued after a Public Investment Board (PIB) meeting held on April 7, 2026.
The projects had earlier faced setbacks.
A previous tender for the Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel was scrapped in 2024 after security clearance was denied to the lowest bidder, a joint venture between Transrail Lighting and Azerbaijan-based EVRASCON.
In April last year, The Times of India reported that the PIB, chaired by the expenditure secretary, had rejected both tunnel proposals on the Anantnag–Chenani corridor, citing cost and technical concerns.
The decision had triggered political and public criticism across the Chenab Valley and south Kashmir.
Despite the setback, NHIDCL had indicated it would re-tender the project and invite bids for the Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnel.
Earlier this month, Union Minister of State Jitender Singh said reports about stoppage of work were incorrect.
He said the earlier tender was cancelled due to security issues related to the allottee and that a fresh tender would be floated.
On Tuesday, Singh announced that the Centre had approved construction of the uni-directional twin-tube Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnels and the twin-tube Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel on NH-244 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, on March 25, 2026, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari told the Rajya Sabha that DPRs for both projects had been completed.
He said the projects were at the appraisal stage while responding to a query by National Conference MP Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo regarding their status, including clearances, funding and timelines.
The Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel is expected to bypass snowbound stretches around Sinthan Pass, which currently restrict connectivity during winter months.
The Anantnag–Kokernag-Kishtwar road remains operational only in summer due to heavy snowfall.
Once completed, the projects are expected to reduce travel time, improve road safety, provide an alternative to the Srinagar–Jammu highway ( NH44), and boost tourism and economic activity in the region.
Greater Kashmir has extensively covered the project’s status and its significance over the past decade.
