'State-of-the-art project' Chenani-Nashri tunnel will increase tourism: Nitin Gadkari

Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on 2 April, 2017 said the Chenani-Nashri tunnel is "state-of-the-art project" which will increase tourism and ensure supply of essential goods in the Valley.

"Chenani-Nashri tunnel is state-of-the-art project. It'll increase tourism and it will increase employment potential and ensure supply of essential goods. It is a revolutionary step," Gadkari told ANI.

He said that the tunnel is expected to cut travel time from Jammu to Srinagar by at least two hours which will increase all time tourism in the state.

"It is a very proud moment for all of us. World standard sophisticated electronic arrangements are made. International safety has been implemented in this," he added.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State in the PMO, Jitender Singh, regarded the tunnel as a game changer in the state's development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on 2 April, 2017 dedicate India's longest road tunnel, built on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

The 9.2 km long Chenani - Nashri Tunnel achieves a distance-reduction of 31 kilometres, bypassing snow-bound upper reaches.

-ANI