Srinagar, Oct 1 (NationPress) The Member of Parliament from J&K, Mian Altaf Ahmad, who represents the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency in the Lok Sabha, engaged in discussions with the Chief Engineer of the Border Roads Organisation on Wednesday regarding the advancement of the Mughal Road tunnel construction.

Mian Altaf, a member of the National Conference, met with the chief engineer in Srinagar to go over the developments concerning the tunnel on the Mughal Road. This tunnel is crucial as it will transform the route connecting the Valley with the Poonch district of the Jammu division into an all-weather road.

The BRO has been entrusted with the construction of the Mughal Road tunnel.

According to an official statement, the Chief Engineer of BRO Kashmir informed Mian Altaf that progress is being made rapidly and effectively on the tunnel's construction.

“I urged the BRO Chief Engineer to expedite efforts so that this essential tunnel can be completed for the benefit of the people who rely on it,” stated Mian Altaf.

He emphasized that this tunnel would serve as a year-round alternative to the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, which often faces closures due to landslides, as recently experienced.

Mian Altaf pointed out how the tunnel would significantly enhance economic and tourism activities by facilitating increased movement of people and goods.

For apple growers and traders, the tunnel represents a substantial relief, as it is expected to offer a dependable route for transporting produce to markets outside Jammu and Kashmir, thereby minimizing delays, post-harvest losses, and dependency on the frequently obstructed national highway.

Additionally, Mian Altaf called on the BRO chief engineer to prioritize and hasten maintenance work on the vital Shopian-Peer ki Galli road to ensure smooth travel.

The tunnel, approved by the Central government, is projected to cost around Rs 3830 crore and is viewed as a critical alternative to NH-44, which is susceptible to landslides and closures during severe weather.