Nitin Gadkari reviews dream project "Zojila Tunnel" linking Kashmir-Kanyakumari

Union Minister for Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today reviewed the ongoing work for the strategically important Zojila tunnel in Kashmir's Sonmarg that will provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. He termed the tunnel historic and said that the project is part of a dream to connect the Kashmir valley with Kanyakumari.

 

Construction of the Rs 4,900 crore 13-kilometre-long Zojila tunnel, Asia's longest, is expected to be completed by 2026.

The closure of the Srinagar-Ladakh highway during winter badly impacts the lives of both the civilian population and the army in the Union Territory. Once completed, the Zojila tunnel will be a game-changer for the region that has been witnessing a protracted standoff between the army and the Chinese military since June 2020.

 

The average travel time to cross the Zojila Pass is around three hours, however, after the completion of this tunnel it will be reduced to just 20 minutes, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said in a statement.

 

The terrain near Zojila Pass is extremely inhospitable, with many fatal accidents taking place here every year. After the completion of Zojila Tunnel, the chances of accidents will be zero. This tunnel will provide year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, which will be extremely important for the development of Ladakh, promotion of tourism, free movement of local goods and movement of Indian armed forces in case of emergency.

 

 

The Union minister also announced that the Z-Morh tunnel, which connects Gagangir with Sonamarg and provides all-weather connectivity to the resort in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, will be inaugurated in October this year.

 

"This is a historic and important tunnel in the history of India. The tunnel length is supposed to be the highest in Asia," Mr Gadkari told reporters after inspecting the work on the site at an altitude of over 11,500 feet.

 

At least 19 tunnels are being constructed at a cost of Rs. 25,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir, mainly between the Nashri and Banihal section which is vulnerable to landslides, causing frequent closure of the road.