BRO Achieves Breakthrough of 2.79 km Long Sungal Tunnel on Akhnoor-Poonch Road
Ayaz Mughal
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) announced a significant milestone in the construction of the National Highway-144A with the breakthrough of the 2.79 km long Sungal Tunnel, a crucial link connecting Akhnoor and Poonch.
In a statement, Lt. Col Suneel Bartwal, spokesperson and PRO for the Ministry of Defence Jammu, highlighted the tunnel's importance for enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating smoother transportation along this strategic route. The 200 km stretch known as "The Golden Arc Road" connects the south Kashmir and Jammu regions to the western parts of Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing key border districts such as Akhnoor, Rajouri, and Poonch.
This route includes four major tunnels:
Kandi Tunnel, Sungal Tunnel, Naushera Tunnel, and Bhimber Gali Tunnel.
The breakthrough of the Naushera Tunnel was achieved earlier this year on January 28, reflecting BRO's ongoing efforts to improve connectivity in the region.
Lt. General Raghu Srinivasan, VSM, Director General of BRO, reviewed the Sungal Tunnel breakthrough ceremony, underscoring its significance in advancing the construction activity and regional infrastructure. The project is part of a broader initiative by BRO to connect remote areas with major centers, with the overall project expected to be completed by 2026.
In his address, Lt. Gen. Srinivasan emphasized BRO's commitment to enhancing defense infrastructure along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB), and to the socio-economic progress of the region through improved road connectivity. The organisation, under Project Sampark, continues to uphold its mission of creating and maintaining vital roads, reflecting its motto, "Roads Build Nation."
Key Highlights: -
- The 2.79 km Sungal Tunnel is part of the National Highway-144A project.
- The tunnel is crucial for connecting Akhnoor with Poonch, enhancing regional connectivity.
- The overall project, including multiple tunnels, aims to be completed by 2026.
- BRO continues to prioritize the development of strategic defense and civilian infrastructure in the region.
