India’s Longest Tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened India’s longest tunnel connecting Jammu with Srinagar on National Highway-44. It is called Nashri-Chanani Tunnel and is 9.28 kilometre long and is equipped with all the sophisticated devices such fire control, air circulation, devices to control traffic blockages etc.
The tunnel consists of two parallel tubes, principal being 13 metre wide while alongside runs another tube of six metre width which is an escape tunnel. Both are connected with 29 cross passages at 300 metre intervals. The construction began in July 2011 and inauguration took placed on April 2 this year. It will reduced the distance between Jammu and Srinagar by 30 kms and bring down the travel time by two hours. It is an all-weather tunnel which is away from areas that used to be affected due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. It was constructed at a cost of Rs. 3,720 crore. It is located at an altitude of 4,000 feet in the Himalayan region.
At every 150 metres, there are SOS boxes which can be used by travelers during times of distress. Tow-away vehicles reach the spot in minutes and can rescue broken-down vehicles within minutes through the escape tunnel.