Banihal, Jammu and Kashmir: The all weather hi-tech tunnel connecting Qazigund and Banihal is probably going to open for public within the subsequent two weeks. Locals say its like a dream coming true. With the opening of this tunnel, the frequent individuals will heave a sigh of aid.
The 8.5 kilometer lengthy tunnel constructed at a value of Rs 2100 crores, will preserve Kashmir related to the nation all through yr, the journey distance from Kashmir to Jammu can even be decreased by about 16 km.
Engineers consider that it’s a all weather tunnel because it’s constructed 400 meters beneath the prevailing Jawahar tunnel because it cuts the heavy snow and avalanche space therefore there are much less probabilities of getting highway blocks in winters.
According to the development firm officers, the method of testing and commissioning of the tunnel is underway. The development of this tunnel began in 2011 and it took greater than 10 years to full the venture.
The development work was delayed due to a number of causes together with the situation of the land contained in the tunnel due to the extreme quantity of water from the mountain beneath which tunnel passes. The firm in command of the development has acquired permission for trial runs of visitors within the tunnel. The tunnel has two-lane-two-tubes with emergency exits at each 500 meters in between.
Muneeb Tak, Assistant General Manager of the development firm, stated, “The tunnel may be thought of completely different from the remainder of the tunnel as a result of it’s a twin tube tunnel, two lanes in every tube, one driving and one emergency lane. We name it all weather as a result of previous tunnel Jawahar Tunnel space witnessed heavy snowfall and avalanches and land slides right here just isn’t a lot snowfall and it connects Qazigund to Banihal and there can be no drawback of highway clearance.”
The air flow system within the tunnel is fitted with 126 jet followers, and 180 dumpers and their management will depend on the situation of the tunnel and can be managed from exterior.
The motion of visitors can be very easy due to the presence of two tubes and 4 lanes At the identical time, numerous technical issues have been taken care whereas making of this tunnel as a result of Himalayan hills are full with water and water grouting had to be performed to make this tunnel water proof.
JS Rathor, LNT Project Manager stated, “Technically Himalayan geology you already know is stuffed with water and water got here on this too and we systematically grouted it and stabilised a particular polythene grout is finished on it. We have managed about 90% seepage, now we’re doing grouting on prime of the tunnel in order that no matter sources coming from are diverted and the tunnel is water proof in order that this tunnel turn into visitors and individuals pleasant.”
The new tunnel has been designed maintaining all these challenges in thoughts. The native residents are very exited and really feel very comfortable.
Resident, Zahoor Ahmed Wani, says, “This tunnel will be of great benefit, in winter, Kashmir and Banihal remain cut off from the world, now this tunnel will always keep us connected. We thank the government as it is a great relief for common people.”
This tunnel is being thought of very useful for Kashmir, it can carry aid to the frequent individuals, it can increase enterprise and tourism particularly winter tourism in Kashmir. Because as soon as winter comes, these hills of Himalaya are coated by heavy snow and the Jammu and Kashmir National Highway stays blocked for weeks, however now it is not going to occur and Kashmir will stay related to the nation all year long.
Engineering wing says the air flow and electrical gear within the tunnel is being examined. A complete of 234 CCTV cameras, have been put in alongside the tunnel for safety causes.
This tunnel will bypass Jawahar Tunnel and Shaitan Nala on the prevailing route of the freeway. Both these locations pose the largest drawback for visitors when the weather is dangerous. Due to heavy snowfall in winter, the nationwide freeway is usually closed for weeks as the current freeway is susceptible to avalanches and landslides.
The tunnel is nearly prepared, all the civil work has been performed, some electrical work is but to be performed. Now it relies upon upon the ministry to open this venture to public.
