The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited has invited bids for construction of the Sudhmahadev–Dranga twin-tube tunnels and approach roads on the Chenani–Sudhmahadev–Goha section of National Highway 244 in Jammu and Kashmir.
The engineering, procurement and construction contract carries an estimated value of ₹2,765.71 crore. Bids are scheduled to close on October 15, 2026, and the technical bids are due to be opened the following day. A pre-bid meeting has been fixed for September 25, while the stipulated construction period is 48 months.
The project has a total design length of about 12.85 kilometres, including the tunnels and approach roads. It provides for two unidirectional twin-tube tunnels, allowing traffic in opposite directions to use separate tubes and improving operational safety on the mountainous alignment.
The two tubes of the first tunnel are designed to extend for 5.449 kilometres and 5.417 kilometres. The second tunnel will have tubes measuring 2.640 kilometres and 2.630 kilometres. A 737-metre viaduct is proposed between the eastern portal of the first tunnel and the western portal of the second.
The contract also covers the roads linking the portals with NH-244 and the installation of essential tunnel systems. These include ventilation equipment such as jet fans, along with safety and operational infrastructure required for movement through long road tunnels.
NH-244 is a critical surface link for the Chenab Valley and connects the Chenani, Sudhmahadev, Goha and Khellani areas. The existing route passes through difficult terrain where sharp gradients, weather and slope conditions can affect the reliability and speed of road travel.
The new alignment is intended to shorten difficult surface stretches and provide a more dependable connection between the Jammu region and the Chenab Valley. Better connectivity can also reduce travel uncertainty for residents, freight operators, tourists and emergency services using the corridor.
Sudhmahadev is an important religious destination in Udhampur district, while the wider route supports access towards Doda and Kishtwar. Improved highway infrastructure is therefore expected to serve local mobility as well as tourism, trade and construction activity across the region.
The EPC model places responsibility for detailed engineering, procurement and construction with the selected contractor against defined performance requirements. The earnest money deposit for the tender is ₹27.65 crore, reflecting the scale of the proposed works.
Invitation of bids marks the transition from project approval and planning to contractor selection. The tender process will include technical scrutiny before financial evaluation and award, subject to the conditions prescribed by NHIDCL.
Once awarded, the project will require careful geological investigation, slope management, spoil disposal, worker safety and environmental compliance throughout construction. Its eventual benefit will depend on timely execution and effective integration with the continuing improvement of the wider NH-244 corridor.
