Chenani-Nashri tunnel, one of the longest tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir will be renamed after Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, announced Union Road Transportation Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday.
Gadkari upholds Mukherjee since he has battled for Kashmir for “One Nation One Flag” has immensely contributed to the “national integration.”
“Historic! Chenani-Nashri Tunnel on NH44, in Jammu and Kashmir, to be named after Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. This is our humble homage to Shyama Prasad Ji whose battle for Kashmir, One Nation One Flag has immensely contributed to national integration,” said Mr. Gadkari.
The tunnel which is a 9.2-kilometer-long tunnel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017. The bi-directional tunnel reduces the distances between Jammu and Srinagar by 30 km. It is also known as the Patnitop tunnel.
The decision comes two months after India abrogated Article 370. Mukherjee was against according special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Mukherjee died in the police custody on June 23, 1953, after he was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir police for entering the erstwhile state without a permit.
