The National Highway Authority of India on Thursday threw open the 880-metre-long bypass tunnel (T-5) at Panthyal in Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir to ensure a smooth flow of traffic through the most treacherous stretch. Panthyal is labelled as one of the most troubled spots along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The Tunnel has come up at a cost of about 100 crore rupees in about four years. Though the new tunnel will only save 1.1 Km of travel, it will save precious human lives, prevent frequent blockages on the national highway (NH44) and make the journey smooth and quick.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">In recent months, several commuters lost their lives in freak accidents involving falling stones. The regular commuters also faced many hardships due to prolonged delays on account of massive mudslides and frequent disruption of traffic. Now no longer, the trucks carrying essential commodities to Kashmir from Jammu and fruit-laden trucks from Kashmir will have to remain stuck on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for days together. After throwing open the T-5 tunnel, the NHAI would be focusing its energy on the timely launch of another tunnel connecting Peerah and Kunfer on the National Highway by this month's end.</span><br />