The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, recently inspected the Zojila Tunnel, which is Asia’s longest tunnel, along with Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, and members of Parliament of Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Road Transport and Highways. The Zojila Tunnel is an essential project implemented in Jammu and Kashmir to establish all-weather connectivity for Ladakh.
Construction Projects in Jammu and Kashmir
The government is constructing 19 tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir, amounting to Rs 25,000 crore. One of the crucial projects underway in Jammu and Kashmir is the construction of a 13.14 km long tunnel and approach road at a cost of Rs 6800 crore in Zojila. The Zojila tunnel is a single-tube, 2-lane tunnel that is 7.57 m high horseshoe-shaped and will pass under the Zojila Pass in the Himalayas between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Drass town in Kargil district of Ladakh.
Modern Technology in Zojila Tunnel Project
The Zojila Tunnel project includes a Smart Tunnel (SCADA) system, which has been constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method. The tunnel is equipped with modern facilities such as CCTV, radio control, uninterrupted power supply, ventilation, and more. The use of modern technology in this project has saved the Government of India over 5000 crore rupees.
Proposed Structures under Zojila Tunnel Project
The Zojila Tunnel project proposes the construction of the main Zojila tunnel of 13,153 meters with four culverts of a total length of 810 meters, four Nilgrar tunnels of a total length of 4,821 meters, eight cut and covers of a total length of 2,350 meters, and three 500 meters, 391 meters, and 220 meters of vertical ventilation shaft. As of now, 28% of the work on the Zojila Tunnel has been completed.
All-Weather Connectivity for Ladakh
With the construction of the Zojila Tunnel, there will be all-weather connectivity for Ladakh. Currently, the average travel time to cross the Zojila Pass takes about three hours. After the completion of this tunnel, the travel time will come down to 20 minutes, resulting in significant fuel savings. The terrain near Zojila Pass is inhospitable, and many fatal accidents occur here every year. After the completion of the Zojila Tunnel, the chances of accidents will be zero.
Significance of Zojila Tunnel
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 an emergency. The Zojila Tunnel project is an essential infrastructure project that will bring about a massive transformation in the connectivity and development of the Ladakh region.
In conclusion, the Zojila Tunnel project is a significant step in enhancing the connectivity of the Ladakh region with the rest of India. The use of modern technology and efficient construction practices will ensure the timely completion of the project, bringing about substantial benefits to the people of Ladakh and the country as a whole.( INVC NEWS )
