NHIDCL has opened bids for a Rs 3,567.51 crore twin-tube tunnel under the Sinthan Pass between Singhpora and Vailoo on NH-244 in Jammu and Kashmir, closing on 10 November 2026.
A tunnel to keep Kishtwar and Anantnag connected all year
NH-244 crosses the Sinthan Pass on the Kishtwar-Vailoo-Khanabal section, and snow shuts the pass for months every winter. The job is to build a uni-directional twin-tube tunnel between Singhpora on the Kishtwar side and Vailoo on the Kashmir side, with its approach roads, so the route stays open year round. National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation is the inviting agency and the contract is EPC. The tender was published on 10 September 2026.
Who can bid, and who else gets work
Only contractors with Himalayan tunnelling experience will get past the qualification stage, typically large EPC firms or joint ventures with NATM or drill-and-blast track records from projects such as Zojila, Z-Morh or the Chenani-Nashri tunnel. The approach roads, muck disposal, slope protection and camp works are where regional contractors from Kishtwar, Doda and Anantnag find sublet packages, since they know the short working season and the access roads.
EMD check
The EMD is Rs 35,67,51,000, which is exactly 1% of the estimate. The tender fee is Rs 4,24,800.
Equipment on a mountain tunnel
Drill jumbos and rock bolters at the faces, shotcrete machines, and excavators and loaders mucking out behind them. Low-profile dumpers and tippers carry the muck to disposal sites. The approach roads bring excavators with breakers, dozers and rollers, and the tunnel lining needs batching plants, transit mixers and concrete pumps, plus gantry formwork.
Key facts
Tender ID
2026_NHIDC_925785_1
Reference no.
NHIDCL/DPR/JK /C-K(Tunnels)/2017
Issuing authority
National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd
Location
Singhpora to Vailoo under the Sinthan Pass, Kishtwar-Vailoo-Khanabal section of NH-244, Jammu and Kashmir
Estimated value
Rs 3,567.51 Cr
EMD
Rs 35,67,51,000
Tender fee
Rs 4,24,800
Form of contract
EPC
Published
10 September 2026
Bids close
10 November 2026, 11:00 AM (extended from 26 October 2026)
Search by tender ID 2026_NHIDC_925785_1 (reference no. NHIDCL/DPR/JK /C-K(Tunnels)/2017) under National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
Register on the portal and keep a valid Class III digital signature certificate ready.
Download the RFP and drawings, then check the tunnelling experience, EMD and fee requirements.
Submit the bid online before 10 November 2026, 11:00 AM.
A uni-directional twin-tube tunnel from Singhpora to Vailoo under the Sinthan Pass, with approach roads, on the Kishtwar-Vailoo-Khanabal section of NH-244 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Who is the tendering authority?
National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), on EPC mode.
What are the EMD and tender fee?
EMD Rs 35,67,51,000 and tender fee Rs 4,24,800, on an estimate of Rs 3,567.51 crore.
When do bids close?
10 November 2026 at 11:00 AM. Bids open on 11 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
Tender details are summarised for convenience and may change. Always verify the latest dates, terms and documents on the official tendering portal before bidding. DesiMachines is not responsible for changes made by the issuing authority.
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