Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated
India's longest road tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar
National Highway, making it operational for traffic. Speaking ahead of the
inauguration, Jitendra Singh, who is
the Union Minister of State in the PM's Office said, "It is a matter of
great pride for the people of Jammu and Kashmir that this great tunnel is being
dedicated to the nation by none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi - the
most popular PM. It is dedicated to the nation in keeping with his call for a
new India."
The
distance between Chennai and Nashri will now be 10.9 kms (between
two ends of the tunnel), instead of the existing 41 kms. Mr Singh called the
tunnel is a game changer. "It is a revolution itself. It is a revolution
to be watched and studied. It is a case study, and a wonderful creation,"
he added.
The
Chennai-Nashri tunnel is India's first and the world's sixth tunnel to have
transverse ventilation system, providing fresh air to passengers. "The
ventilation system is enabled by ABB drives and controlled by ABB
software," an official of the the company said. ABB is the global leader
in industrial technology and operates in approximately 100 countries, including
India, according to its official website.
The
tunnel, constructed at a cost of Rs. 2,519 crore, will ensure a safe and swift
passage for commuters, even in adverse weather conditions. The Chennai-Nashri
tunnel is among the longest highway tunnels in Asia.