India's longest road tunnel to see the light of day

India's longest road tunnel, built on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on April 2.

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This tunnel will cut short the distance between Jammu and Srinagar by nearly 30 km, slashing down travel time by two and a half hours.

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"The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Chenani-Nashri tunnel on J&K highway on April 2," said Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in PMO.

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After the inauguration, Modi will also address a public rally, dedicating the tunnel to the nation.

The twin-tube tunnel, which is 9.2 km long, has been under construction since May 23, 2011. A part of a 286-km-long four-lane project on the highway, it cost the government Rs 3,720 crore.

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It’s the first tunnel in India equipped with world class "integrated tunnel control system", providing automatic actuation of ventilation, fire control, signals, communication and electrical systems.

Talking of the toll, an LMV vehicle will be charged Rs 55 on one side and Rs 85 for to-and-fro journey while the monthly pass would be of Rs 1,87. Bigger vehicles like mini buses will have to pay Rs 90 as one side toll and Rs 135 for to-and-fro, while for buses and trucks, it will be Rs 190 and Rs 285, respectively.

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There is an arrangement of mobile network and FM Radio channel inside the tunnel.

(Image source: Livemint)