J-K: One of Jawahar Tunnel tubes closed after cracks, restoration work starts

One of the two tubes of the Jawahar Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed today after it developed cracks, officials said.

According to a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) official, the restoration work has been started and the closed tube would reopen by tomorrow.

"Seeping caused loose rocks to fall through an unlined area within the tunnel, also causing some cracks, prompting closure of the tube to undertake the necessary repairs," a BRO officer told PTI.

He said that a portion was damaged by it and after a joint inspection of experts from various departments, including geologists, the repair work was started this evening and is expected to be completed by tonight or by early morning tomorrow.

"We are hopeful of throwing the tube open for traffic anytime tomorrow," he said.

Senior police officers, including the Deputy Inspector General of Doda-Ramban-Kishtwar range, Rafiq-ul-Hassan, visited the spot to take stock of the situation.

The highway is the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country and Jawahar Tunnel is called the gateway to the Valley.

The tunnel was constructed in the 1950's for round-the-year surface transport and has been operational since December 1956.

The tunnel was renovated by the BRO several times over the past decades to ensure it stays open.