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Recently, work on the Zozila Tunnel in J&K has begun with ceremonial blasting.
Key features of the Tunnel
- The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh (Ladakh plateau) on NH-1.
- It involves the construction of a 14.15 Km long(Bi-directional tunnel without Egress/escape passage between Baltal and Minamarg) tunnel at an altitude of about 3000 m under Zojila pass (presently motorable only for 6 months in a year) on NH-1 connecting Srinagar and Leh through Dras & Kargil.
- Length: Zojila Tunnel length = 14.15 Km and Approach road length = 18.63 Km. Total project length is 32.78 km.
- It is one of the most dangerous stretch in the world to drive a vehicle & this project is also geo-strategically sensitive.
- It has road safety & avalanche protection structures such as Catch Dams, Snow Galleries, Cut & Cover, Deflector Dam etc
Significance of the project:
- A tunnel in Zozila is the only viable alternative at present for a full year connectivity road.
- This tunnel when completed will be a landmark achievement in the history of modern India.
- It will also be of great importance to the Defence of the country, in view of the fact that massive military activities along our borders in Ladakh, Gilgit and Baltistan regions are taking place.
Source: PIB
