Editorial | Zojila Tunnel – Much Anticipated Project

Given the hilly, mountainous and rigid terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, this part of the world has more often than not, faced difficulties in traversing from one part to the other. Nonetheless due to the persistent efforts of the government at centre and at UT level we are witnessing that the gaps are being bridged thicker and faster and many areas otherwise inaccessible are witnessing fair connectivity over quite a period of time now. In extension to the efforts to bridge the gaps and more so to save the precious lives and time of passengers, the work on Zojila tunnel is in full swing and the much awaited 13.14 km long tunnel and approach road may be thrown open to movement very soon. The tunnel as per official figures is coming up at a cost of Rs 6800 crore. It is a 7.57 m high horseshoe-shaped single-tube, 2-lane tunnel, which will pass under the Zojila Pass in the Himalayas between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Drass town in Kargil district of Ladakh. The Zojila road is considered as one of the toughest roads to ply on and due to this nature, we have over the time got to hear many tragic accidents taking place along the stretch.  However, the GoI seems too stubborn with its approach to do away with the archaic mode of travelling for the convenience of the public. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday flew from the national capital with members of Parliament of Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Road Transport and Highways to inspect the working on the tunnel alongside Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha. The much-anticipated includes a Smart Tunnel (SCADA) system, which has been constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method and is equipped with facilities like CCTV, radio control, uninterrupted power supply and ventilation. The use of modern technology in this project has saved the Government of India more than 5000 crore rupees. Not only will it provide all-weather connectivity for Ladakh but also help in saving precious lives and at the same is believed bring down the current 3 hour travel time to mere 20 minutes. Hope the authorities on ground hasten the work to much relief and convenience of the passengers.