Work on Asia’s longest bi-directional Zojila tunnel going in full-swing: Official

Ganderbal, Sept 03: The Central Government’s initiative to keep Ladakh accessible year-round has resulted in the construction of the Zojila Tunnel, a project that’s currently in full swing, aimed at benefiting the residents of Ladakh and Kargil regions.
The Srinagar-Leh highway, usually closed during the winter months due to heavy snow and slippery conditions between Sonamarg-Zojila and Meenmarg, disconnects the region from J&K for around four months. This highway is the sole link between Ladakh and the rest of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Zojila Tunnel, stretching 14.5 km beneath Zojila pass in the Himalayas, connects Sonamarg and Drass town in Kargil district, within the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh.
Approved by the Government of India in January 2018, the construction of the Zojila Tunnel began in May 2018, inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
Once completed, this tunnel will be India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel. Part of a major road communication endeavor to ensure uninterrupted connectivity between the two Union Territories, the tunnel will provide all-weather access between Ladakh and Kashmir, overcoming the snow-covered Zojila pass and avalanches that disrupt travel during winters.
Notably, the project aims to enhance safety, free the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Section of NH-1 from avalanches, and significantly reduce travel time from over 3 hours to just 15 minutes.
Work on the Zojila Tunnel commenced from both Minimarg and Baltal sides. The excavation has already progressed over 7 km both from Minamarg and Baltal sides.
Moreover, the government’s earlier decision to maintain accessibility throughout the year for Sonamarg and SSG Road has led to the approval of tunnel construction in Ganderbal district, Central Kashmir. The first of these tunnels is the Z-Morh Tunnel, spanning 6.5 km from Gagangeer to Shitkadi Sonamarg. This project, managed by APCO Infratech, has seen significant progress with completion anticipated in December this year.
The mega project also includes additional tunnels and bridges. The Zojila Tunnel, undertaken by Mega Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), encompasses a length of 14.5 km and is an essential step towards seamless connectivity between Ladakh and Kashmir.
Project Director NHIDCL Vijay Kant Panday stated that substantial progress has been made on the four tunnels and connecting bridges. The Zojila Main tunnel, spanning 13.2 km, which originates from Baltal and exits in Minimarg, has seen 7 km of excavation work finalized. The project has engaged thousands of workers.
He clarified that the construction of the Zojila Tunnel and its approach road is being undertaken by NHIDCL, and the actual construction is being carried out by Mega Engineering and Infrastructure Pvt Limited (MEIL).
Panday emphasized that the target completion date for the Zojila Tunnel is September 2026, and the project is making significant progress towards that goal. He mentioned that the first Ist Part of the tunnel, with a deadline of February 2024, is also progressing rapidly. Despite challenges posed by heavy winter snowfall, the team is striving to finish the tunnel by June 2024, aiming to provide enhanced facilities to the public ahead of schedule.