Zojila Tunnel progresses against snow, sub-zero chill - Greater Kashmir

Sonamarg, Dec 15: Frosty mornings, icy winds, and snow-covered landscapes have become the new normal at the Zojila Pass this winter.   However, despite the unfavourable weather, a sense of determination and purpose drives the team of the Zojila Tunnel project.

The temperature has been dipping between minus 18 degrees Celsius and minus 21 degrees Celsius at the construction site of the Zojila Tunnel.

The construction work on the vital Zojila Tunnel project is progressing well at a good pace amid harsh weather conditions at the project site.

Authorities in the Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) construction company responsible for the construction of Zojila Tunnel said that the work was going on in full swing despite the challenging conditions including the terrain and weather.

“The Zojila Tunnel project works are progressing despite heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures. We have installed advanced weather stations to monitor the changing weather conditions. Kudos to our engineers and workforce working to complete the all-weather connectivity tunnel,” the MEIL construction company officials said.

“We are working hard to complete the tunnel before its deadline. For this everyone including the company management and employees – workers, drivers, or engineers – are putting in their efforts,” a senior project engineer with MEIL said.

Officials said that about 60 to 70 percent of the tunnelling work had been completed which includes excavation work, construction of bridges and roads besides a few mini tunnels ahead of the main Zojila Tunnel.

The area witnessed fresh snowfall and more than a foot of snow accumulated near the tunnel site, making it more challenging for the workers and the team.

The 14.5-km Zojila tunnel, once completed, will be India’s longest road tunnel, and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel.

Several bridges are being constructed along this route, and work is being done at a brisk pace.

Once the tunnel is completed, it will provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and J&K.

Travel between Srinagar and Leh throughout the year will also become a reality.

While the distance will be reduced from Baltal to Minamarg from 40 km to 13 km, travel time too will be reduced by 1.5 hours.

The journey will be less strenuous as the roads will be evenly paved.