New Delhi, July 30 -- The Centre on Wednesday said it has initiated the process for developing all-weather road connectivity to the border areas of Tangdhar and Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir by advancing plans for strategic tunnel projects aimed at reducing the impact of prolonged winter closures.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, said consultancy work for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the proposed 'Sadhna Tunnel' on the Kupwara-Tangdhar section of National Highway-701 has already been awarded.

For Gurez, Gadkari said the ministry has floated a tender to appoint a consultant for preparing the DPR for a proposed tunnel beneath 'Razdan Pass', which remains ...