The work on the Zojila Tunnel in J&K began in October 2020 with ceremonial blasting. The tunnel aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh (Ladakh plateau) on NH-1, and will bring about an all-round economic and socio–cultural integration of Jammu & Kashmir. It is one of the most dangerous stretch in the world to drive a vehicle and this project is also geo-strategically sensitive. It is all set to replace Atal Tunnel as the longest one at highest altitude.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today, April 10 inspected Asia’s longest tunnel with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and members of Parliament of Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Road Transport and Highways.
While offering spectacular views, the road is unpaved, treacherous and prone to geological uncertainties. The construction of the Zojila tunnel road will ensure all-weather connectivity. Despite numerous difficulties and delays, the 6.6 km long Z-Morh tunnel is currently under construction and the 14 km long Zojila Tunel is in progress.
Features
Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), is executing Zojila Tunnel, which is going on at a rapid pace and is likely to be completed by December 2026. The project comprises of smart tunnel (SCADA) system, constructed using the New Austrian tunnelling method and equipped with CCTV, radio control, uninterrupted power supply, and ventilation.
It involves the construction of a 14.15 Km long tunnel at an altitude of about 3000 m under Zojila pass (presently motorable only for 6 months in a year) on NH-1 connecting Srinagar and Leh through Dras and Kargil. In addition, the construction of three vertical ventilation shafts is also in place and moving smoothly.
The tunnel project is a 9.5 m wide, 7.57 m high, horseshoe-shaped single-tube and 2-lane road tunnel. Meanwhile, on the Zojila tunnel, out of 13 km, 5 km of tunnel excavation is already completed.
Significance
1. The construction of Zojila Tunnel will provide all-weather safe connectivity between Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh regions. The all-weather safe connectivity of the road is immensely important from the strategic point of view.
2. The tunnel will provide logistics flexibility and operational mobility to the Indian Army as it will reduce the travel time on Zojila Pass from 3.5 hours to 15 minutes.
3. The construction this tunnel shall bring about all round 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.
4. A tunnel in Zojila is the only viable alternative at present for a full-year connectivity road. 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 since massive military activities along our borders in Ladakh, Gilgit and Baltistan regions are taking place.
5. This project shall bring to fruition, 30 years of overwhelming public demand of Kargil, Drass and Ladakh regions and will make the travel on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Section of NH-1 free from avalanches.
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