Srinagar, Dec 29 (KINS): A senior police officer on Monday directed enhanced inter-agency coordination, round-the-clock surveillance, strict access control and a robust emergency response mechanism during a comprehensive security review of the Navyug Tunnel, a vital link on the strategic Srinagar–Jammu National Highway.

The joint security review meeting was chaired by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kulgam, Anayat Ali Chowdhary, to assess and further strengthen the existing security, safety and traffic management arrangements at the tunnel.

According to a police statement, the meeting was attended by the Commanding Officer of 163 Battalion CRPF, Additional Superintendent of Police (National Highway) Qazigund, SDPOs of Qazigund and Banihal, representatives of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), officials from Qazigund Expressway Private Limited, and other jurisdictional officers.

During the meeting, recent road accidents in and around the tunnel were reviewed in detail. Officials highlighted overspeeding as a major threat to human life and urged commuters to strictly follow the permissible speed limit of 50 km/h inside the tunnel to prevent accidents and save lives.

SSP Kulgam directed all concerned agencies to enhance coordination, ensure continuous surveillance, enforce strict access control and maintain a strong emergency response mechanism. He emphasized strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), contingency preparedness and effective communication among all stakeholders to ensure security, safety and the uninterrupted functioning of the Navyug Tunnel.

All agencies were instructed to remain vigilant and work in close coordination in the larger interest of public safety, the statement added.

Earlier this year, police had deployed advanced surveillance technologies, including wall radar and thermal screening systems, at the Navyug Tunnel to further strengthen security and improve monitoring.(KINS)