First in India: Chenani-Nashri tunnel in J-K to provide fresh air to commuters | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

First in India: Chenani-Nashri tunnel in J-K to provide fresh air to commuters

Mar 31, 2017 07:27 PM IST

The tunnel, constructed at a cost of Rs 2,519 crore, will reduce the distance between Jammu and Srinagar -- the twin state capitals -- by 30 km, while ensuring safe and swift passage for commuters, even in adverse weather conditions.

The Chenani-Nashri tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation on Sunday, is India’s first and the world’s sixth tunnel to have transverse ventilation system, providing fresh air to passengers.

A security personnel stands guard outside the Chenani-Nashri tunnel ahead of its inauguration.(PTI)
A security personnel stands guard outside the Chenani-Nashri tunnel ahead of its inauguration.(PTI)

“This tunnel is the India’s first and the world’s sixth road tunnel with a transverse ventilation system enabled by ABB drives and controlled by ABB software,” an official of the ABB said on the eve of inauguration of the 9-km-long tunnel.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

ABB is a global leader in industrial technology and operates in approximately 100 countries, including India, according to its official website.

Location of the Chenani-Nashri tunnel. (PTI)
Location of the Chenani-Nashri tunnel. (PTI)

The official said ventilation systems, for such long tunnels, are essential to maintain clean air, permissible carbon dioxide levels and expel harmful vehicle emissions.

“To ensure smooth travel and safety of commuters, the ABB has designed, engineered and supplied low harmonics variable speed drive (VSD) system for tunnel ventilation,” he said.

The VSDs and motors are installed at the North (Nashri) and South (Chenani) portals for air supply and exhaust.

“These VSDs are also equipped with inbuilt redundancy to ensure minimum downtime,” the official added.

The tunnel, constructed at a cost of Rs 2,519 crore, will reduce the distance between Jammu and Srinagar -- the twin state capitals -- by 30 km, while ensuring safe and swift passage for commuters, even in adverse weather conditions.

The ventilation system in the Chenani-Nashri tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in Asia, will ensure that passengers have access to fresh air as they drive through it, he said.

“This is a proud moment for us. We are providing the muscles and lungs for this critical new tunnel,” said Sanjeev Sharma, CEO and managing director of ABB India.

The Chenani-Nashri tunnel’s safety controls were developed by ABB in India, for effectively mitigating any fire emergencies, he said.

The tunnel, at an altitude of 1,200 metres, is a part of the National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI) project between Jammu and Srinagar, along national highway 44.

Technologically, this is one of the most advanced road tunnels built in the country, surmounting challenges of terrain and distance, Sharma said.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On