New Delhi: In a testament to India’s engineering prowess, the Zojila Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir has reached a significant milestone, with over 70% of its construction complete. This monumental project, set to become Asia’s longest tunnel, is not only a marvel of modern engineering but also a testament to cost-effectiveness. Initially pegged at over Rs 12,000 crore, the Zojila Tunnel will now be completed at a fraction of that cost—Rs 5,500 crore—a financial efficiency attributed to modern technology and innovative construction methods.
The Zojila Tunnel is poised to transform connectivity between the Ladakh region and the rest of India by providing an all-weather route. Spanning 13 kilometers, this tunnel will be operational in a sub-zero temperature zone, significantly enhancing the resilience of India’s infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this project in 2018, underscoring its strategic importance.
The tunnel promises to slash travel time across the Zojila Pass dramatically, reducing it from three hours to a mere 20 minutes. This improvement will not only ease travel for civilians but also bolster military logistics, ensuring continuous supply lines even in harsh winter conditions.
Equipped with a Smart Tunnel (SCADA) system, the Zojila Tunnel incorporates cutting-edge facilities such as CCTV surveillance, radio control, and efficient ventilation. The employment of modern technologies in this project has saved the government a substantial amount of over Rs 5,000 crore.
Furthermore, the Zojila Tunnel is part of an ambitious road development plan in Jammu and Kashmir, with over Rs 2 lakh crore earmarked for infrastructure projects. This forward-thinking approach includes the construction of 105 tunnels, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming the region’s connectivity and economy.
