Karnah, Jun 20 (JKNS): A decades-old dream of the people of Karnah, a remote border region in Kashmir, is finally moving closer to reality. The Sadhna Tunnel project, which has already received approval from the Central Government, has now entered the implementation phase.
Once completed, the tunnel is expected to provide year-round, safe, convenient, and uninterrupted connectivity not only to Karnah but also to a large population across North Kashmir.
At present, Karnah remains connected to the Kashmir Valley only through the Sadhna Top (Z-Gali) route, which is frequently closed for several months every year due to heavy snowfall, severely disrupting transportation.
The construction of the tunnel is expected to permanently eliminate these seasonal difficulties.
Project Details
The tunnel, to be constructed under the supervision of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), will be approximately 6.2 kilometres long and is estimated to cost around ₹3,130 crore. The project is also expected to generate employment for nearly 10,269 people during its execution.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari recently announced that the construction work on the Sadhna Tunnel is scheduled to commence in June 2026. Once completed, the project will ensure all-weather connectivity to Karnah, bringing significant relief and numerous benefits to the local population.
DPR Completed
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the tunnel has been prepared by the international consultancy firm Bernard Gruppe. The report was based on advanced geological and engineering surveys, with experts conducting extensive studies of the region’s terrain, mountains, weather conditions, and other technical aspects before final approval by the concerned authorities.
A New Ray of Hope
The Sadhna Tunnel is expected to transform life in Karnah by ensuring year-round connectivity, boosting tourism and trade, and making travel easier for students, patients, government employees, and local residents. It will also significantly improve emergency response and disaster management during adverse weather conditions.
The project is not only a major infrastructure initiative but is also expected to become a milestone in the social and economic development of the border region.
The people of Karnah remain hopeful that the construction will be completed on schedule, finally turning their long-cherished dream into reality. (JKNS)