Jammu: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday announced that a tunnel connecting the Machil sector to the hinterland at Z-Gali in Kupwara has been sanctioned to provide all-weather connectivity to the border residents.
Replying to a question raised by National Conference legislator, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone in the Legislative Assembly, Choudhary said the tunnel was cleared under the ‘Other than Capital Acquisition’ head with preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) underway for its inclusion in the Annual Works Plan (AWP) 2026-27.
He said the Machil area experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months, which affects the connectivity and poses difficulties for the residents.
“An institutional mechanism is in place to address the essential requirements during winters, with advance planning and necessary arrangements made to ensure availability of basic services, including healthcare and essential supplies for the people in the remote areas,” he said.
The deputy chief minister said representations for the construction of a tunnel to link Lolab in Kupwara with Bandipora district have been received from the local population, citing its strategic and connectivity importance.
