Key Points :
- Zojila tunnel, one of the longest in Asia, that will provide everyday connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh.
- The tunnel will provide all-weather connection between Srinagar valley and Leh on NH-1, and will bring an all-encompassing economic and socio–cultural integration of Jammu & Kashmir.
- The project was re-awarded this year to Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) which had emerged as the lowest bidder quoting ₹4,509.5 crore for the project.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari as of Thursday 15th October initiated the first blasting(blowing up with explosives) for construction related work at the 14.15 km Zojila tunnel, one of the longest in Asia, that will provide everyday connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh.Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2018, had laid the foundation stone for the ₹6,800 crore project, coined as Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel, in Jammu and Kashmir.
The project is of strategic importance as Zojila Pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway and remains shut during the winters due to heavy snowfall. As of current times it is one of the most precarious stretches globally to drive a vehicle and this project is also strategically sensitive.The tunnel will provide all-weather connection between Srinagar valley and Leh on NH-1, and will bring an all-encompassing economic and socio–cultural integration of Jammu & Kashmir.
Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Minister Gadkari termed it a “moment of pride” for India as he initiated the blast in a virtual ceremony.He said that the re-modelling of the project will result in savings to the tune of ₹4,000 crore to the public exchequer without any compromises in safety, quality and security.Zojila Tunnel’s project shall bring to fruition, 30 years of overwhelming public demand of Kargil, Drass and Ladakh region, the government statement said and added that the project will make the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Section of NH-1 travel free from avalanches, along with enhancement of safety and would reduce the travel time from more than 3 hours to 15 minutes.The project was re-awarded this year to Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) which had emerged as the lowest bidder quoting ₹4,509.5 crore for the project.MEIL was competing with other two bidders in the race which were Larsen & Toubro and Ircon International JV.
Talking about the construction of the 14.15-km long tunnel at an altitude of about 3,000 m under Zojila pass (presently motorable only for six months in a year) on NH-1 will connection Srinagar and Leh through Drass and Kargil.
The government said “This tunnel when completed will be a landmark achievement in the history of modern India. It will also be of great importance to the Defence of the country, in view of the fact that massive military activities along our borders in Ladakh, Gilgit and Baltistan regions are taking place.”
Unveiling the plaque for commencement of work for the tunnel, Modiji had said, “Zojila tunnel is not a mere tunnel but a modern-day marvel.”
