On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Chenani-Nashri tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Chenani-Nashri tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

PTI reported that this is the first tunnel in India (and the sixth in the world) to have a transverse ventilation system which provides fresh air to passengers. Ventilation systems for such long tunnels are essential to maintain clean air, permissible carbon dioxide levels and expel harmful vehicle emissions.

"The ventilation system is enabled by ABB drives and controlled by ABB software," PTI quoted an ABB official as saying. ABB's website describes it as a global leader in industrial technology and operating in approximately 100 countries.

According to a report in Hindustan Times, this tunnel, one of the longest in Asia, was built at a cost of Rs 2,519 crore and will reduce the distance between Chenani and Nashri to just 10.9 km from 41 km, bringing down the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by two hours.

“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. Sharma said that considering the challenge of terrain and distance, this was one of the most technologically advanced road tunnels ever built in India, Hindustan Times reported.

The Times of India reported that over 1,500 engineers, geologists, skilled workers and labourers participated in the building of this tunnel. There are 124 CCTV cameras which allow the control room to monitor traffic and in case of traffic violations, inform police deployed outside the tunnel. The tunnel is also equipped with parking spots, in case any vehicles break down.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the tunnel will have a fully-integrated control system with facilities such as radio frequency, communication, ventilation, power supply, SOS call box, fire fighting and incident detection.

Light motor vehicles will have to pay Rs 55 for a one way trip and Rs 85 for a two-way journey. A monthly pass for Rs 1,870 is available. Mini buses will have to pay Rs 90 and Rs 135 to use the tunnel, while buses and tracks will have to pay Rs 190 and Rs 285, The Indian Express reported.

Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in the PM's Office, said, "It is a matter of great pride for the people of Jammu and Kashmir that this great tunnel is being dedicated to the nation by none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi - the most popular PM. It is dedicated to the nation in keeping with his call for a new India. The tunnel will save fuel worth nearly Rs 99 crores a year. Rs. 27 lakh worth of fuel is likely to be saved per day."

Modi will also address a public rally at Battal Ballian in Udhampur district after inaugurating the tunnel.

With inputs from PTI