BRO begins process to renovate Tambakhani tunnel on Gangotri NH

Uttarkashi: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has begun the process for renovating the long-neglected Tambakhani tunnel in Uttarkashi district, bringing relief to residents and travellers using Gangotri National Highway. BRO commander Rajkishore A said, "A renovation proposal has been sent to the ministry of road transport and highways earlier this week. Once approved, a technical inspection will be conducted, and a detailed project report will be prepared."Construction of the 370-metre-long tunnel started in 2006 under the Varunavat package and was completed in 2013 by the irrigation department, Dehradun, at a cost of around Rs 19 crore. However, the tunnel was not handed over to any department.Lack of maintenance over the years led to severe water seepage and deterioration, especially during the monsoon, making the structure unsafe for commuters. The tunnel was originally built to prevent accidents caused by falling rocks in Tambakhani area where several lives had been lost.In 2021, the then district magistrate, Mayur Dixit, had initiated the procedure to transfer the tunnel to BRO, and after prolonged formalities, the irrigation department handed over relevant documents to BRO in Dec last year.