JAMMU, APRIL 02: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary announced that a tunnel connecting Machil Sector to hinterland at Z-Gali has been sanctioned under the ‘Other than Capital Acquisition’ head with preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is underway for its inclusion in the Annual Works Plan (AWP) 2026-27.
The Deputy Chief Minister, as per an official statement, was replying to a question raised by Legislator, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone in the Legislative Assembly Thursday.
He said that the Machil (Machhal) area experiences heavy snowfall during winter months, which affects the connectivity and poses difficulties for the residents. He added that 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.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that representations for construction of Lolab–Bandipora Tunnel have been received from the local population, citing its strategic and connectivity importance.
