The Zojila Tunnel is a proposed tunnel to be built in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, connecting the Leh and Kargil districts. The tunnel will be the world’s highest altitude tunnel, at an elevation of 11,578 feet and will reduce the travel time between the two districts from the current 4 hours to just 15 minutes. On 3 July 2020, Indian Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the Zojila tunnel will be completed in 7 years. This article will discuss the background of the Zojila tunnel, Nitin Gadkari’s announcement, the challenges in building the tunnel, the benefits of completion, and a conclusion.
Background of Zojila Tunnel
The Zojila Pass is situated in the western section of the Himalayas at an elevation of 11,578 feet, connecting the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir to the Leh district. The pass is a major trade route between the Kashmir valley and Ladakh, and is a crucial link for military supplies to the Siachen Glacier. The pass is often closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, making the journey between the two districts difficult. As such, the Government of India had proposed to build a tunnel through the Zojila Pass in 2006, to ensure year-round connectivity between Leh and Kargil.
Gadkari’s Announcement
On 3 July 2020, Indian Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the Zojila tunnel will be completed in 7 years. The tunnel will be 14.2 kilometres long, with a width of 10.5 metres and a height of 8 metres. The tunnel will be built at an estimated cost of Rs. 9,800 crore and will be the world’s highest altitude tunnel. The tunnel will reduce the travel time between the two districts from the current 4 hours to just 15 minutes.
Challenges in Building
The construction of the Zojila tunnel is a challenging task. The tunnel is to be built at an elevation of 11,578 feet, which is higher than that of the world’s highest road tunnel, the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh. The cold temperature and high altitude of the region makes it difficult to construct the tunnel. Additionally, the terrain of the region is rocky and unstable, making it difficult to build a strong foundation for the tunnel.
Benefits of Completion
Once the Zojila tunnel is completed, it will bring a number of benefits to the region.
