Hundreds Protest Over Delay in Opening Sungal Tunnel on Jammu–Rajouri Highway
Rajouri/Jammu: Public anger is growing over the continued delay in opening the Sungal Tunnel on the Jammu–Rajouri–Poonch National Highway (NH-144A), with local residents and civil society groups planning peaceful protests at the tunnel site. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The 2.7-kilometre Sungal Tunnel, located between Chowki Choura in Jammu district and Bhambla in Rajouri, is the longest of four tunnels being built as part of the major highway upgrade project.
Although construction of the tunnel is largely complete, it has not yet been opened for regular public traffic. As a result, commuters are still forced to travel on the old surface road, which is vulnerable to landslides, bad weather and frequent traffic disruptions.
Locals Call It a “VIP Tunnel”
The delay has sparked criticism on social media, where many residents have labelled the project the “VIP Tunnel.”
Locals and political leaders allege that ministers, senior government officials and VIP convoys are allowed to pass through the tunnel, while ordinary travellers and even emergency vehicles continue to use the risky alternative route.
One local commuter questioned why the tunnel remains closed to the public if it is considered safe enough for VIP movement.
Demand for Immediate Opening
Residents say the existing Kalidhar–Chowki Choura road regularly experiences traffic congestion and damage caused by heavy rainfall and landslides, making travel difficult for people in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi and Jammu districts.
They also expressed concern over the absence of an official timeline for opening the tunnel. According to local leaders, the lack of clear updates from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the executing agency has increased public frustration.
Several civil society organisations have reportedly sought permission from the Divisional Commissioner’s Office in Jammu to hold peaceful sit-in protests at the tunnel site until it is opened for public use.
Major Benefit After Opening
Once commissioned, the ₹600 crore Sungal Tunnel project is expected to reduce the travel distance between Jammu and the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch by 11 to 12 kilometres. It is also expected to provide safer and more reliable all-weather road connectivity for commuters.
Sungal Tunnel Project at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project | Sungal Tunnel |
| Highway | Jammu–Rajouri–Poonch National Highway (NH-144A) |
| Tunnel Length | 2.7 kilometres |
| Location | Between Chowki Choura (Jammu) and Bhambla (Rajouri) |
| Estimated Cost | ₹600 crore |
| Expected Benefit | Reduces travel distance by 11–12 kilometres |
| Current Status | Construction largely complete; not yet opened for public traffic |
| Public Demand | Immediate opening of the tunnel for all commuters |
