PDP slams Centre, UT Govt for rejecting crucial tunnel projects

JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the Union Government and the administration of the Union Territory for rejecting two major infrastructure projects — the Singhpora-Vailoo and Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnels — proposed to enhance connectivity in the mountainous and underdeveloped districts of Doda and Kishtwar.

In a statement issued here on Monday, senior PDP leader and former legislator Firdous Tak said the decision by the Public Investment Board (PIB) to turn down the proposals was a “betrayal” of the aspirations of the people living in these remote areas.

“These tunnels are not just construction projects; they are essential for the socio-economic upliftment of Doda and Kishtwar. Without all-weather road access, the region remains cut off for months, isolating people and obstructing education, healthcare, and trade,” Tak said.

He recalled that the need for the Singhpora-Vailoo and Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnels was long recognized by previous PDP-led governments. “It was the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who first envisioned these tunnels as a transformative step to connect the Chenab Valley with the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the Jammu division. His government initiated key surveys and brought the issue to the national planning forum,” he said.

Tak also highlighted that during Mehbooba Mufti’s tenure as Chief Minister, the project proposals were taken forward with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with detailed project reports prepared and environmental clearances sought. “Despite political instability, her government ensured that the voice of Chenab Valley reached New Delhi. But sadly, after 2018, all momentum was lost,” he stated.

The PIB recently rejected the tunnel proposals, citing their high cost (approximately ₹8,900 crore), the presence of alternative roads, and lack of strategic significance. This, despite the fact that the region frequently suffers from landslides, road closures, and geographic isolation due to treacherous terrain and extreme weather.

Tak did not spare the BJP and the National Conference either and said, “The state BJP leadership and the National Conference, which is part of the present governance framework, are equally responsible. They failed to lobby effectively for the interests of the Chenab Valley. Both parties remained silent spectators while the Union Government shelved projects that are critical for this region’s development.”

He contrasted the treatment of Chenab Valley with other regions like Jammu-Srinagar, which benefited from landmark infrastructure such as the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, a project that revolutionized travel by avoiding avalanche-prone areas. “Today, 33 tunnels are being talked about by the Centre for J&K. Fifteen have already been completed. Yet, two of the most essential ones for Doda and Kishtwar are left out. It’s clear where the priorities lie — and sadly, Chenab Valley is not on that list,” Tak added.

He urged the people to unite across party lines and demand accountability and justice for the region, warning that continued neglect could only deepen the sense of marginalization and frustration among youth and common citizens.