Jawahar Tunnel or Banihal Tunnel, named after the first Prime Minister of India, was constructed for round-the-year surface transport by Mr. Alfred Kunz and C. Barsel (both were German) between 1954 and 1960. The Jawahar tunnel has been operational since 22 December 1956. The length of tunnel is around 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi), and it is situated between Banihāl and Qazigund.[1] This facilitates round-the-year road connectivity to Kashmir valley.
Later the tunnel was renovated by the Border Roads Organization under the project BEACON in 1960. It was first meant for 150 vehicles per day; the number is now 7000. After renovations, the tunnel now has a two-way ventilation system, pollution & temperature sensors, and a world-class lighting system.
It is guarded by military round the clock, photography or videography inside or nearby the tunnel is strictly prohibited.[2] Once the vehicle enters the tunnel, it has to maintain the same speed throughout the tunnel. CCTVs are installed in the tunnel for continuous monitoring.