Connecting to prosperity
Now that the Zojila and Z Morh tunnels are turning into a reality the extensive road networks in the Himalayan Region is all set to provide a boost to the tourism sector in the area.
The twin tunnel projects initiated by the Central Government has given a new impetus to the construction of new highways, tunnels and bridges which will bring transformative changes in the lives of people and will create huge employment opportunities to the local people.
The Zojila tunnel project will provide all weather connectivity to the Union Territory of Ladakh. As the work on the Zojila Tunnel is going on in full capacity and NHIDCL is geared up to continue the work in winter months, the project is likely to witness completion well before the scheduled date.
The Zojila tunnel is of a significant importance to the development and tourism for both UTs of J&K and Ladakh as it will provide round the year connectivity to Ladakh region.
Once completed the Zojila tunnel will be India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel. Several bridges are being constructed along this route and a connecting tunnel from Z-Morh in the National Highway-1 to Zojila tunnel will be constructed in the Zojila Ghats between Sonamarg and Kargil. The entire work is divided into two divisions in the 33 km span.
Interestingly, appropriate security measures have been kept in place including vertical shafts at three places and adequate security and lighting measures with CCTV, fire alarm and heat detection systems at par with international standards.
This will ensure round the clock monitoring and prompt response to emergency situations if any may creep up during operations.
The project site of Zojila tunnel is located at existing highway (NH-01) starting from Sonamarg and ending at Minamarg in Ladakh at an elevation ranging from 2700m to 3300m, thus making the Zojila Tunnel (13.2 km) the longest tunnel at this elevation in the Asia region. The present site location falls into seismic zone IV and all precautionary measures have been provisioned to safeguard the structures provisioned in the project.
The Zojilla and Z-Morh tunnels are a dream project which will ensure economic betterment and interactions for the people in JK as well as Ladakh. Besides, the government’s move to create a massive road and rail network will also add to the growth of the region besides ensure involvement of people in the growth process.
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