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Locals anguished as 19 key projects sans Chattergala tunnel | KNO

Demand intervention of central government, LG Manoj Sinha

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Srinagar, Jun 25 (KNO): The Government of India's recent approval of 19 major infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir has left out one of the most eagerly awaited initiatives—the Chattergala tunnel, triggering a wave of disappointment and resentment among the people of Bani, Kathua, and Doda. Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), locals said that despite repeated assurances from political leaders—especially from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—the Chattergala Tunnel and the accompanying Kathua-Basohli-Bani-Doda National Highway have yet again been ignored, raising questions over the seriousness of the government’s promises. “When the time for elections comes, BJP candidates keep talking about the Chattergala Tunnel, but as soon as the elections are over, they forget everything,” said Mudasar Ali, a local social activist from Bani area. “At this time, important projects have been approved, but I am very saddened by the absence of the National Highway and Chattergala Tunnel in them. We have been demanding this for years, but apart from verbal assurances, no work has started so far.” The Chattergala Tunnel is envisioned as a 6.8-kilometer tunnel linking the remote regions of Kathua and Doda via Basohli-Bani-Chattergala-Bhaderwah. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has already completed a feasibility survey, and the estimated cost is pegged at around Rs 3,000 crore. If approved, the tunnel would take approximately four years to complete. Currently, road links between Bani, Bhaderwah, and Doda are susceptible to seasonal disruptions and the tunnel would provide year-round accessibility to the region, locals said They said the tunnel and the proposed national highway are expected to spur local employment, enhance trade, and uplift the economy of the region by connecting remote areas to markets and resources. Areas like Bani and Bhaderwah, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, could witness a tourism boom if better connectivity is ensured. Locals believe these regions could become the next big tourist circuit in J&K. They added that given the border proximity and hilly terrain, improved connectivity would significantly aid security forces, disaster response units, and logistics movement, adding that travel between Kathua and Doda could be drastically reduced, offering a safer and faster alternative to the current weather-dependent roads. People in the region accuse political representatives of ignoring ground realities and making the tunnel a "poll-time promise" rather than a genuine commitment. The project's continued omission from central priorities has widened the trust deficit between the residents and their elected leaders. “We are not asking for luxury—just a basic lifeline. This tunnel will change the future of our entire region,” said another resident from Bani. Locals have once again urged the Centre, LG and UT administrations to ensure that remote and backward regions are not left behind in infrastructure development—(KNO)

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