All-weather access a step closer

Sonamarg, Jan 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on January 13 to inaugurate the highly-anticipated 6.5 km Z-Morh Tunnel, is also expected to throw open the Part-I of the Zojila Tunnel, official sources said.

Part-I of the 14.2-km main Zojila Tunnel comprises a 17-km road from Sonamarg to Baltal.

This part of the tunnel project has four mini tunnels and four major bridges.

A senior official, who is part of the Zojila Tunnel Project, said that work on the Part-I of the Zojila Tunnel project has been completed.

He said that PM Modi was expected to throw open the Part-I of the Zojila Tunnel project during his visit to Sonamarg for the inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel next week.

He said that the remaining part of the tunnel includes the main Zojila Tunnel and some other roads which are under construction.

PM Modi is expected to address the officers and workers involved in both the Z-Morh and Zojila Tunnel projects, acknowledging their dedication and efforts in overcoming the challenges faced during its construction.

The Zojila Tunnel will be a two-lane tunnel.

It will be 9.5 meters wide and 7.57 meters high in the shape of a horseshoe.

The New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), an advanced technology, is being used in the construction.

The Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) is executing the project for the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways undertaking.

The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for next week, will be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari; Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

“We are progressing at a good pace despite the harsh weather conditions.  We are hopeful that the tunnel will be completed by its deadline,” the construction agency officials said.

The opening of the Part-I of the Zojila Tunnel project will ensure a smooth and safe travel for visitors to Sonamarg and beyond and also help the people living in the area.

This Government of India project is a huge game changer.

The total length of the project from Sonamarg to Minimarg is 31 km.

From Sonamarg to Baltal, it is 17 km, and then the main tunnel from Baltal to Minimarg is 14 km long.

At present, the temperature dips to -18 to -31 at the construction site of the Zojila Tunnel project. Located at an altitude of 11,600 feet above the sea level and the harsh weather conditions make it a challenging project.

On completion, the engineering marvel will be the first of its kind in such a geographical zone.

The Zojila Tunnel project involves the construction of the 14.15-km-long tunnel at an altitude of about 3000 metres under Zojila Pass on the NH-1 connecting Srinagar and Leh through Drass and Kargil.

It is one of the most dangerous stretches in the world to drive a vehicle and this project is also geo strategically sensitive.

The Zojila Tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Leh on NH-1.