The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has made a significant breakthrough in the construction of the 260-metre Kandi tunnel, marking a significant milestone in the ‘Sampark’ project on the Jammu-Poonch national highway. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has achieved another milestone by completing the 260-meter Kandi on the Jammu–Poonch highway. This project holds immense strategic and socio-economic significance as it improves connectivity in one of India’s most sensitive border regions. The only ensures all-weather access but also supports national defence, trade, and tourism development.
The Jammu–Poonch highway is a crucial link that connects remote areas near the Line of Control (LoC). By constructing the Kandi Tunnel, the BRO has eliminated a key bottleneck along the highway, allowing faster movement of security forces and essential supplies (Infrastructure) This strengthens India’s preparedness along the western frontier The tunnel is expected to reduce travel time drastically for commuters traveling between Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu. By ensuring year-round accessibility, it will improve the lives of local residents who earlier faced road closures due to landslides and extreme weather.
Additionally, this project aligns with India’s ongoing initiatives to modernize its border infrastructure, similar to the recently completed Atal in Himachal Pradesh and the Zojila Tunnel in Ladakh. (Read more about tunnel projects in our The region of Rajouri and Poonch is rich in natural beauty, history, and culture. Improved connectivity through the Kandi Tunnel will promote tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, encouraging visitors to explore hidden gems beyond popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Increased tourist inflow will benefit local businesses, generate employment, and create new investment opportunities.
Security and Military Benefits
The tunnel has immense defense significance. Located close to the LoC, Poonch and Rajouri districts often face cross-border challenges. The Kandi ensures swift troop movement and supply logistics, enhancing India’s operational readiness in the region. Similar to other BRO projects like the Sela in Arunachal Pradesh, this project strengthens India’s defense preparedness The Government of India has been accelerating road and tunnel construction in border areas under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and other strategic programs. The Kandi is a prime example of this mission.
Showcasing the government’s commitment to bridging gaps in connectivity and uplifting border communities The completion of the 260-m Kandi on the Jammu Poonch highway is not just an engineering achievement but also a symbol of resilience, security, and progress. Ministry of Defence It represents India’s determination to empower its border regions with modern infrastructure, ensuring prosperity, safety, and development for generations to come. The Kandi is expected to significantly boost regional development, promote tourism, and improve socio-economic conditions for local communities by offering seamless all-weather connectivity.
A crucial infrastructure project that will enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and improve security in the border districts of Jammu & Kashmir. This is part of India’s strategic push to strengthen road networks in sensitive regions, ensuring better movement for civilians, the armed forces, and trade activities. Its completion marks a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure in border areas. The will not only serve as a lifeline for residents but also improve national security preparedness along the western front.
Q1. What is the length of the newly completed Kandi ?
The Kandi Tunnel on the Jammu–Poonch highway is 260 meters long.
Q2. Which organization constructed the Kandi Tunnel?
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully constructed the tunnel.
Q3. How will the Kandi Tunnel benefit local residents?
It will provide all-weather connectivity, reduce travel time, and promote socio-economic development in the region.
Q4. Why is the Kandi Tunnel strategically important?
It ensures faster troop movement, strengthens border security, and improves logistics for the armed forces.
Q5. When was the Kandi Tunnel completed?
The tunnel was officially completed in August 2025.
