Kashmir Valley and Chhatra Galla Tunnel

Main Points

• Kashmir Valley is called 'paradise', but currently it is surrounded by adversaries.
• The armies of China and Pakistan can quickly move troops through the CPEC.
• Chinese construction in the Saksham Valley.
• Today, Kashmir is connected to India by four main routes:
  1. NH 44: Pathankot to Srinagar (Pathankot -> Jammu -> Banihal -> Qazigund -> Srinagar)
  2. Old Mughal Road: Jammu -> Rajouri -> Poonch -> Shopian -> Srinagar
  3. Pathankot -> Jammu -> Udhampur -> Doda -> Kishtwar -> Anantnag -> Srinagar

Chhatra Galla Tunnel

• Alternate route in case NH 44 and other routes are closed.
• The Chhatra Galla Tunnel will connect Pathankot to Kashmir:
  • It will connect Kathua and Doda districts
  • 6.22 km long tunnel
  • Will provide all-weather connectivity
  • Kathua -> Lakhanpur -> Bani -> Chhatra Galla -> Bhaderwah -> Kishtwar -> Srinagar

Security and Strategic Importance

• CPEC projects pose a threat to national security
• With the help of the tunnel, India will be able to counter the threat from China and Pakistan.
• Crucial for military movement and logistics
• Will contribute to economic development.

Delay in Construction

• DPR was submitted in 2018 but delays due to lack of funding, mountainous terrain, and environmental impact assessment issues.
• Infrastructure push:
  • New highways and underpasses
  • 9 km long Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel
  • 88.5 km long Banihal Qazigund Tunnel
  • 1.4 km long Nandi Tunnel
  • 11.2 km long Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel
  • 6.5 km Zamor Tunnel, 1.95 km Nil Garage Tunnel, 14.2 km Zojila Tunnel

Faculty Program

• Preparation for UPSC Civil Services Exam:
  • Three stages: Foundation, Mains, Interview stage
  • Use code RT Life for admission

Final Thoughts

• Why construction after 75 years
• Politics and economic crisis
• Your opinion