Keran tunnel-making to be taken up with Centre: Dy CM

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has said that the demand for construction of tunnel on the road connecting Keran and Jumgund area of Kupwara for providing all-weather connectivity would be taken up with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. He said the detailed project report (DPR) would also be prepared and forwarded to the authorities concerned.

The Deputy Chief Minister was replying to a question raised by MLA Mir Saifullah. Choudhary said that Keran sector is connected with the rest of UT of J&K via Pharkiyan Gali to Keran road (46.76 km), maintained by BRO.

He further said that the road remains partially closed during the winter season due to snow accumulation. Regular snow clearance is being done by BRO for providing connectivity to Keran sector.

“The PMGSY Road Zirhama-Jumgund (length 25 km) is a high-altitude road. Snow clearance operations are carried out regularly, but during heavy snow spells, clearance operation becomes difficult beyond the first 6 km and gets temporarily delayed till weather improves due to poor visibility, frost action, avalanches/ snow slides from upper reaches, especially in kms from 17th to 20th,” he added.

He further informed that no alternative roads are available at present for the Keran and Jumgund areas. He said Pharkiyan Gali to Keran (46.76 km) road is maintained by BRO.