Srinagar, July 29: The Union government has moved forward with plans to provide year round road connectivity to the border regions of Tangdhar and Gurez by initiating key tunnel projects aimed at reducing winter isolation.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said work has begun on preparing the Detailed Project Report for the proposed Sadhna Tunnel on the Kupwara, Tangdhar stretch of National Highway 701. The project is expected to improve access to Tangdhar, which remains cut off during heavy snowfall.
For Gurez, the Ministry has invited bids to appoint a consultant for preparing the DPR of a proposed tunnel beneath Razdan Pass, a route that remains closed for several months every winter because of snow.
The Minister said the government cannot yet indicate the estimated cost or completion timeline of either project as both are still in the planning stage.
He also clarified that Gurez and the Marwah, Warwan region are not part of the National Highway network, so tunnel construction there does not fall directly under the National Highways programme.
Until permanent infrastructure is completed, the Border Roads Organisation will continue snow clearance operations on highways and other roads under its control to maintain connectivity during winter as far as possible.
The Centre also highlighted steps to strengthen healthcare facilities in these remote areas. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, new health units have been approved for Gurez, including facilities at Dawar, Sheikhpora and Bhagote. Similar Block Public Health Units have also been sanctioned for Tangdhar and Teetwal.
The government said free helicopter and air evacuation services remain available for critically ill patients from Gurez requiring treatment at major hospitals outside the region. These services are coordinated jointly by the district administration and the Health Department.
For the Marwah, Warwan region, the Centre has sanctioned a Block Public Health Unit at Community Health Centre Marwah, an Ayushman Arogya Mandir at Margi and a six bed prefabricated facility at Primary Health Centre Afti.
The Union government said healthcare is primarily the responsibility of the J&K administration, while the Centre continues to support the Union Territory through centrally sponsored health infrastructure and service programmes.
