M/s Alfred Kunz and C Barsel of Germany constructed Jawahar Tunnel between 1954 and 1960. After having outlived its designed life, Jawahar Tunnel needed extensive renovation works. The Border Roads Organisation has now completed it. Scaling and profile correction involved breaking and cleaning of loose hanging rock mass inside the tunnel.

The tunnel was initially designed for traffic of 150 vehicles per day. At present the volume has increased to 7000 vehicles per day. This necessitated laying of the rigid pavement which has been completed in the Western Tube. The tunnel lighting provided in 1960 needed a complete change. The ventilation system has been provided with the help of the expertise of the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited. The salient features of the lighting and ventilation system are that the lighting system has been designed to provide a minimum of 30 lux of light. The high-pressure sodium vapour lamps have been placed to smooth the transition of light level to the driver’s eyes.

The ventilation system comprises 21 ventilation fans, which can operate in both directions in each tube. The tunnel has been provided with sensors to indicate the pollution level, traffic visibility and temperature. It also has a state-of-the-art video camera monitoring system that covers the entire tunnel. The system is designed to operate on generator sets in the absence of electric supply.

The renovation which costed about
Rs 15 crore has been completed despite many odds like inclement weather conditions, daily traffic through tunnel, adverse internal security situation and increased pressure during operation Vijay. The personnel of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) along with a force of local labourers worked round the clock under project Beacon to complete the much needed renovation. Project Beacon, starting in 1960, is the oldest project of BRO. In addition to the renovation works inside the tunnel, a public convenience building (PCB) has also been constructed at the Srinagar portal. It provides basic amenities like drinking water, toilet, first aid booth and a cafeteria.