J&K’s Chenani-Nashri Tunnel to be renamed after SP Mukherjee

The 9.2-kilometer-long Chenani-Nashri tunnel to be renamed after Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. The renaming is homage by Central government to Dr. Shyama Prasad whose battle for Kashmir, One Nation One Flag has immensely contributed in national integration.

The announcement in this regard was made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. This decision comes two months after India abrogated Article 370 in August 2019.

About Chenani-Nashri tunnel

It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017 and is also known as the Patnitop tunnel. It is the longest tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir and is located on National Highway (NH) 44.

The tunnel bypasses snow-bound upper reaches and provides a safe, all- weather route to commuters travelling from Jammu and Udhampur to Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar.

This bi-directional tunnel reduces distances between Jammu and Srinagar by 30 km and travel time by 2 hours.

Key Features of Tunnel

It is a single-tube bi-directional tunnel, with a 9.35-metre carriageway, and a vertical clearance of 5-metres. There is also a parallel escape tunnel with ‘Cross Passages’ connecting to main tunnel at intervals of 0.30 Km.

It is equipped with world-class security systems and has smart features like ventilation, surveillance and broadcast systems; fire-fighting system; integrated traffic control system (ITCS); and SOS (emergency) call-boxes at every 150 metres.

Besides being India’s longest road tunnel with a length of 9.28 km (5.8 mi) it is also India’s first tunnel with a fully integrated tunnel control system.

About Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

In 1951, he founded Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor to present Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On 23 June 1953, he died in police custody, after he was arrested by the J&K police for entering the erstwhile state without permit.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2019