A local resident recalled that earlier accidents were common and traffic jams caused long delays that left children returning home tired with little time to study. The resident noted that daily travel to the nearby town of Ramban was difficult but that with the tunnels the community can now reach Ramban in about five minutes, allowing children extra time at home. The change has already begun to ease everyday journeys and is expected to reduce accidents in coming years.
The project consists of twin tubes excavated using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) to address complex geological conditions and work began in 2022, progressing rapidly with a combination of heading and benching for stability during construction. Tunnel lengths include a north bound tube of two point six kilometre (km) and a second north bound tube of zero point six one nine kilometre (km), while the south bound tube measures three point zero eight kilometre (km). The current physical progress is 87.2 per cent and the project cost is estimated at Rs 8,663.7 million (mn).
By routing traffic through mountain passages instead of landslide-prone slopes, the tunnels are designed to reduce exposure to shooting stones and weather related disruptions and to ensure reliable all-weather connectivity throughout the year. The corridor upgrade forms part of broader efforts to modernise the highway and to improve safety, with faster and more dependable movement for civilians and security personnel alike. For travellers and residents such as Ratan and Naresh, the transformation promises a safer, quicker and more reliable daily journey.