Context
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister recently checked out the Zojila Tunnel, which is currently being built. Once completed, this tunnel will connect Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir all year round, regardless of the weather. It’s set to be the longest tunnel in Asia and is expected to play a crucial role in boosting development in these regions.
About Zojila Tunnel
- The Zojila tunnel will be India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel.
- The first part involves the development and expansion of the 18.475-km highway between Z-Morh to Zojila.
- A 3-km stretch will be expanded; the rest will be newly developed.
- The highway will have 2 twin-tube tunnels, 5 bridges, and 2 snow galleries.
- The second part is building the 14.15-km Zojila tunnel itself — 9.5 m wide, 7.57 m high, 2 lanes, in the shape of a horseshoe.
Zojila Tunnel Construction
- India is working on a remarkable infrastructure project – the Zojila tunnel.
- Once finished, it will be India’s longest road tunnel and is set to be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel, stretching an impressive 14.15 km.
- Picture this: a connecting tunnel will link Z-Morh on NH1 to the Zojila tunnel, nestled in the stunning Zojila Ghats between Sonmarg and Kargil.
- The project involves not just the tunnel but also the development and expansion of a 18.475-km highway, connecting Z-Morh to Zojila.
- Excitingly, a 3-km stretch will be expanded, and the rest will be entirely new.
- The highway is set to boast two twin-tube tunnels, five bridges, and two snow galleries, enhancing connectivity and safety.
- The work spans across two beautiful union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, showcasing the diverse and scenic landscapes.
- This ambitious project comes with a hefty price tag of over 4,600 crore, underlining the commitment to improving infrastructure.
- The expected completion date is December 2023.
Zojila Pass
- Zojila Pass connects Srinagar and Leh.
- Located in the Kargil district of Ladakh, it connects the Union Territories of Ladakh and Kashmir.
- Also known as the “Mountain Pass of Blizzards”, it runs at an altitude of 3,528 meters.
- It lies in the Zaskar range of Greater Himalayas.
- The pass connects the Kashmir Valley to its west with the Dras and Suru valleys to its northeast and the Indus valley further east.
Significance
- The upcoming Zojila tunnel is set to create a year-round connection between Ladakh and the rest of India.
- This tunnel is crucial for the Indian Armed Forces, helping them stay operationally ready in the region, especially given the ongoing border tensions with China.
Benefits
- The Zojila tunnel will allow travel between Srinagar and Ladakh throughout the year.
- It will provide all-weather connectivity with Srinagar allowing it to remain open to tourists all year round.
- The construction of the Zojila Tunnel may bring about all-around economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions which remains cut off from the rest of the country during winters due to heavy snowfall for about six months.
