In the face of freezing temperatures in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, the ambitious Zojila Tunnel project is advancing at a rapid pace, staying on course to meet its completion deadline. Stretching over 14.5 kilometers beneath the formidable Zojila pass in the Himalayas, the tunnel will link Kargil and Ladakh in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Anticipated to be India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel upon completion, the Zojila Tunnel aims to transform the highway into an avalanche-free passage, bolstering safety and slashing travel time from over 3 hours to just 15 minutes. Progress on the tunnel, with simultaneous efforts from both Minimarg and Baltal sides, has resulted in an impressive 3.3 kilometers of excavation completed within the designated timeframe.
Harpal Singh, the Project Manager at Mega Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), shared insights into the project’s advancements. He noted that four tunnels and connecting bridges are nearing completion, with approximately 90% of the work already done. The main Zojila tunnel, spanning 13 kilometers, has witnessed significant excavation progress, with 3.8 kilometers completed from the Minimarg side and 3.9 kilometers from the Baltal side.
Despite challenging sub-zero conditions, around 1100 dedicated workers, including 900 from Jammu and Kashmir, are contributing to the project’s success. Singh emphasized that the Zojila Tunnel is expected to be completed by 2027, with final lining work from the Minimarg side scheduled for June next year.
Critical cut-and-cover structures, essential for avalanche protection, are nearly complete, with only 10% of the work remaining. Singh provided updates on the three shafts of the Zojila Tunnel, highlighting significant progress in their construction. Shaft no. 1, boasting a depth of 490 meters, is underway, with 23 meters completed so far, showcasing the determination and resilience of the workforce against formidable odds.
As the Zojila Tunnel inches closer to realization, it stands poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring all-weather connectivity, overcoming winter hindrances posed by the snow-covered Zojila pass and avalanches.
