Jammu Tawi, March 4 -- Authorities on Monday conducted the inaugural blast for building the Bhimber Gali Tunnel as part of the Jammu-Poonch National Highway, with a defence spokesman terming it a significant milestone in the construction of a critical infrastructure project in the Pir Panjal region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The tunnel, spanning an impressive 1.1 km, is a key component of the 16.1-km-long project from Kalali in Rajouri district to Bhataduria in Poonch district, the spokesman said.

It will reduce the distance between the regions by 10.8 km.

The spokesman said the project will serve as an alternative axis for the movement of troops and general public in the challenging terrain from Rajouri to Poonch.

The spokesman said the ...