Last Updated on September 29, 2021 at 2:49 pm
The massive Zojila tunnel will bring Ladakh a bit closer and provide the all weather connectivity as it will allow travel between Srinagar and Ladakh throughout the year. Zojila tunnel will be India’s longest road tunnel at 14.15 km. A connecting tunnel from Z-Morh on NH1 to the Zojila tunnel will be built in the Zojila Ghats between Sonmarg and Kargil.
Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd has undertaken the 14.5-km Zojila project and APCO is building the 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel under the EPC mode.
National Highway Infrastructure Development Corp (NHIDCL) officials said that 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel is expected to be completed by next year which is ahead of the target date of December 2023, the 14.15 km Zojila tunnel is also planned to be completed ahead of the target date of 2026.
Notable tunnels will help to keep the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh connected for the whole year with the rest of the country. These tunnels will help to raise the tourist footfall and thus increase the growth of tourism sector and smooth movement of armed forces during any weather conditions.
It is strategic link connecting the Leh-Ladakh region to Srinagar in J&K and with the rest of India. As the region does not have all-weather connectivity, especially to Leh which has badly impacted the transport sector and affecting the economy of the region.
This tunnel is likely to be Asia’s longest 14.2 km long two-lane tunnel road which is expected to reduce travel time between Srinagar and Leh to just 15 minutes, from the current from three and a half hours.
