In Jammu and Kashmir, 8.5 km-long tunnel between Qazigund and Banihal has been opened for traffic on trial basis. This was informed by Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari yesterday. The tunnel will reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by about one & half hours. Built at 5,800 feet above sea level, the tunnel replaces Jawahar Tunnel and will provide all weather connectivity.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision of building quality infrastructure in J&K for the coming generations. Mr Sinha further said that the completion of the tunnel will ensure all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar besides giving a major fillip to economic activity in the region.</span><br />