Government Approved Zojila Pass Tunnel Project

The Union Government has approved the Rs 680 crores strategic Zojila pass tunnel project in Jammu and Kashmir.

This project aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh as they remain cut off from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall during winters.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the construction, operation and maintenance of this tunnel.

Zojila Pass Tunnel Project

• Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters due to heavy rainfall.
• The project involves construction and maintenance of a 14.15 km long two-lane bi-directional Zojila tunnel with a 14.2 km long Parallel Escape (Egress) tunnel excluding approaches on Srinagar-Leh section connecting NH-1A at 95 km and at 118 km in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The construction period of this tunnel is seven years and the construction cost of the project is Rs 4899.42 crore.
• The overall capital cost of the project is Rs 6806.69 crore.
• The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.

Benefits of the Project

• It will ensure a safe, fast and cheap connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
• It will further increase the employment potential for the local labourers as they will be required for the project related activities.
• The project will give a tremendous boost to the employment as the local business will get linked to the National market and the region will attract tourists throughout the year thus giving a boost to the tourism as well.

Expected Questions

Zojila pass tunnel connects Jammu and Kashmir to

a. Shimla and Kufri

b. Leh and Ladakh

c. Kasaul and Dharamshala

d. Darjiling and Nainital