Centre clears Rs 6,000 cr Zojila tunnel project

In order to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved construction of bi-directional tunnel beneath Zojila Pass at an estimated cost of Rs. 6,089 crore.

The 14.2 km long tunnel, touted as Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel connecting Sonamarg in Kashmir Valley to Drass (the second coldest habitat in the world) in Kargil region will drastically reduce travel time as well as keep the road open round the year. Due to heavy snowfall on the Zojila pass, the Ladakh region remains cut off from the outside world between October and March every year.

“The Zojila tunnel will be the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. (Its) construction period (will be) seven years because of a very difficult terrain where in some areas temperature dips to minus 45 degree celsius. The tunnel shall be an engineering marvel as first of its kind in such a geographical area,” Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said. The project would enhance the safety of travellers crossing Zojila Pass and reduce the travel time from 3.5 hours to 15 minutes, he added.

“Defence forces have to face hard times ensuring supplies to border posts during winters. This pass is most strategic for the entire Kargil sector, which has seen intrusion and war in the past,” Gadkari said. Every year, the government has to augment and store supplies for defence forces and civilians for six months.