CM Omar Abdullah Reviews Strategic Jammu–Poonch Tunnel Work

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on 20 April 2026 reviewed the progress of the 2.79-km Sungal Tunnel project on the Jammu–Poonch highway.

The tunnel, which is in its final stages of completion and expected to be finished later this year, forms an important part of the strategic “Golden Arc” corridor—an infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity in border regions of the Union Territory. During his visit en route to Nowshera, the Chief Minister inspected the construction site and was briefed by officials on excavation work, structural progress, and allied road development.

The Sungal Tunnel connects Akhnoor and Poonch and marks a key milestone as the second of four planned tunnels along the corridor. The nearly 200-km Golden Arc road is designed to improve connectivity between south Kashmir and western districts such as Rajouri and Poonch, while enhancing access to remote border areas.

The project is being executed by the Border Roads Organisation to ensure all-weather connectivity and improved mobility. Other tunnels under the corridor, including Kandi, Naushera, and Bhimber Gali, are also at various stages of development, collectively strengthening regional infrastructure and strategic access across the region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.