New Delhi: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has achieved a breakthrough in the 2.79-kilometre Sungal Tunnel on the strategic Akhnoor-Poonch road or ‘Golden Arc Road’ — an important development in India’s border infrastructure.
The Akhnoor-Poonch road connects the south of Kashmir to the west and links the important border districts of Akhnoor, Rajouri and Poonch. This 200-km highway is crucial for both civilian movement and Army deployment.
Out of the four major tunnels — Kandi and Naushera — were completed on 25 November 2023 and 28 January respectively. The Sungal tunnel joins the 700-metre Naushera tunnel.
Part of the effort to upgrade the entire Akhnoor-Poonch stretch of almost 200 km, the Sungal tunnel will reduce the distance between Akhnoor and Sunderbani by almost 10 kilometres — bypassing curvy roads.
The tunnel’s construction is a major step in strengthening the border infrastructure and regional connectivity, facilitating smoother transport and providing impetus to socio-economic progress along National Highway 144A.
The BRO said in a statement that travel time now would be reduced to half and this would also mean faster movement of troops and logistical support to defence forces. The construction under Project Sampark is expected to be completed by 2026, the BRO added.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)