Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had undertaken extensive renovations of the 2.5 km-long twin-tube Jawahar Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir, originally constructed in 1956. The tunnel had been upgraded using state-of-the-art modern technology to enhance the security, safety, and comfort of its users, bringing it in line with contemporary tunnel standards. The renovated tunnel was expected to open to the public in December 2024.

The rehabilitation work was carried out under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction mode at a cost of Rs 6,250 million, funded by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. The project was completed in approximately one year by BRO’s Project Beacon and included both civil and electro-mechanical upgrades. Features of the renovation reportedly included 76 high-definition CCTV cameras, smoke and fire sensors, SCADA systems, and a centralised monitoring room for real-time supervision.

The Jawahar Tunnel was noted for its historical significance as a critical passage through the Pir Panjal range, connecting the Kashmir Valley and Leh with the rest of India. It also serves as an alternative route to NH-44. Vehicles restricted from crossing the recently constructed Qazigund-Banihal Tunnel, such as oil tankers and vehicles carrying explosives or gasoline, were said to continue using the Jawahar Tunnel.