Chief Engineer Rail Project, Sandeep Sharma said, “The 70.3km stretch has been completed, and the remaining work will also be completed soon,” adding that the operation of trains will start by December 2023. “The biggest challenge was to make a tunnel under the 65-meter mountain of soil. Because at the time of excavation, there was a possibility of mishaps, as well as, the risk of soil collapse.”

“But the work is being carried out with caution and safety. This tunnel is the longest to be built under the soil. Although the country’s longest tunnel is in Pir Panjal,” he added

The Northern Frontier Railway has faced various challenges in making this tunnel and 70 percent of the work has been completed.

(With inputs from agencies)