Major Tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir
| Tunnel Name | Length | Type | Location | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chenani-Nashri Tunnel (Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel) | 9.28 km | Road | Chenani–Nashri (NH-44) | All-weather road connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar | Operational (2017) |
| Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel (New Road Tunnel) | 8.5 km | Road | Banihal – Qazigund (NH-44) | Shortens distance by 16 km; bypasses Jawahar Tunnel | Operational (2021) |
| Pir Panjal Tunnel (Tunnel T-80) | 11.215 km | Railway | Banihal – Qazigund (J&K Railway) | Part of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) | Operational (2013) |
| Jawahar Tunnel | 2.85 km | Road | Banihal Pass (NH-44) | Older tunnel connecting Jammu-Srinagar | Operational (since 1956) |
| Zojila Tunnel | 13.14 km | Road | Srinagar–Leh (NH-1) | All-weather connectivity to Ladakh | Under Construction (To be completed ~2026) |
| Z-Morh Tunnel | 6.5 km | Road | Gagangir – Sonamarg (NH-1) | All-weather access to Sonamarg | Operational (Partial), Full opening in 2025 |
| Sangaldan Tunnel | ~6.6 km | Railway | Ramban – Sangaldan (USBRL Project) | Rail connectivity to Baramulla | Under Construction |
| T-49 Tunnel | 12.75 km | Railway | Arpinchala–Banihal | Longest railway tunnel in India (as of now) | Under Construction |
| Sudhmahadev Dranga Tunnel | ~4.5 km | Road | Chenani – Sudhmahadev | Shortens distance and improves travel in Udhampur region | Proposed |
🔍 Comparison: Road vs Railway Tunnels
| Aspect | Road Tunnel | Railway Tunnel |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Vehicular traffic (NH connectivity) | Rail connectivity under USBRL project |
| Major Examples | Chenani-Nashri, Banihal Road, Zojila | Pir Panjal, T-49, Sangaldan |
| Longest Tunnel | Zojila Tunnel – 13.14 km | T-49 Tunnel – 12.75 km |
| Oldest Tunnel | Jawahar Tunnel (1956) | Pir Panjal (2013) |
| Strategic Importance | Connects Jammu to Srinagar/Ladakh | Enhances rail reach in Kashmir Valley |
| Elevation Challenges | Prone to snowfall & landslides | Built through Himalayan terrain |
🧠 Key Facts for Exam
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Longest Railway Tunnel: T-49 Tunnel (12.75 km) – under construction between Sumber and Arpinchala.
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Longest Road Tunnel in India (Operational): Chenani-Nashri Tunnel (9.28 km).
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Zojila Tunnel will become India’s longest road tunnel (13.14 km) once completed.
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Pir Panjal Tunnel (T-80) is the second-longest railway tunnel in India (11.2 km).
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Z-Morh Tunnel improves access to Sonamarg, previously cut off in winter.
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Jawahar Tunnel was built in 1956 by German engineers.
📌 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
-
Which is the longest railway tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir?
a) Pir Panjal Tunnel
b) T-49 Tunnel
c) Sangaldan Tunnel
d) Z-Morh Tunnel
✅ Answer: b) T-49 Tunnel -
Zojila Tunnel connects which regions?
a) Jammu – Srinagar
b) Srinagar – Leh
c) Leh – Kargil
d) Udhampur – Baramulla
✅ Answer: b) Srinagar – Leh -
Chenani-Nashri tunnel is named after:
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
c) Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee
d) Sheikh Abdullah
✅ Answer: c) Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee -
Which tunnel was bypassed after the new Banihal Road Tunnel was opened?
a) Zojila Tunnel
b) Jawahar Tunnel
c) T-49 Tunnel
d) Z-Morh Tunnel
✅ Answer: b) Jawahar Tunnel
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