The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will start work on the Rs 4,000-crore Chattergala tunnel in Srinagar at the earliest, as informed by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. It will also ensure all-weather road connectivity between Kathua and Doda districts of the state.

The proposal for the tunnel project was initiated six years ago and a detailed project report (DPR) was also prepared by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) agency Beacons. However, work on it could not proceed due to lack of funds.

NHAI will now carry out the construction of the tunnel as well as the new national highway from Lakhanpur in Kathua, which will pass through the tourist spots of Basohli and Bani to Bhaderwah and Doda. Apart from improved connectivity, and reduced travel time, it will facilitate employment generation.