In the first step to ensuring round-the year connectivity between Kashmir valley and the Union Territory of Ladakh, Z-Morh tunnel project worth Rs 2379 crore is being taken up on war-footing and is expected to be completed June 30, 2021.

Meanwhile, works is also being taken up on Zojila project, which will provide round the year connectivity between Kashmir valley and Ladakh. The project worth Rs 4430 crore -- which includes 14.15 Km tunnel and 18 Km approach road between Z-Morh and Zoji-La tunnel, besides carriage way, two snow galleries, 4 major bridges and 18 avalanche protection dams -- is expected to the completed by June 2026.

An official spokesperson on Monday said the Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired a meeting of National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), to review progress of various road projects being undertaken by them in Jammu & Kashmir.

With regard to Kashmir province, it was informed that works on mega projects including Z-Morh tunnel and Zoji-La tunnel, are being taken up on war footing.

He said that Z-Morh tunnel project comprises 6.5 Km tunnel, 6 Km approach road, 2 major bridges and 1 minor bridge. The project worth Rs. 2379 crores is expected to be completed by 30th June, 2021 and will provide round-the-year connectivity to Sonamarg.

Simultaneously, he said the works under Zoji-La project are also being taken up. “The project comprehensively includes 14.15 Km tunnel and 18 Km approach road between Z-Morh and Zoji-La tunnel as a single integrated package, besides, comprising carriage way, 2 snow galleries, 4 major bridges and 18 avalanche protection dams. The project will cost Rs. 4430 crores and is expected to be operational by June, 2026, which will enable round-the-year connectivity to Ladakh,” he said.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed progress of Baramulla- Gulmarg, Vailoo- Khanabal, Vailoo- Donipawa, Donipawa- Ashajipora road projects.

While reviewing the progress on road projects being executed in Jammu province, it was informed that a penalty of Rs 25 lakh has been imposed on the erring contractor for abandoning the project works under third package of Jammu Akhnoor road, and the works will shortly resume.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, maintained that 15 KMs stretch is currently encumbrance free and the rest will be made available by July 30, 2020, so as to enable speedy completion of the project.

Moreover, the Chief Secretary urged Divisional Commissioner, Jammu to allow contractors to bring in migrant labour and equipment after observing the duly established protocols and standard operating procedures with respect to COVID -19 mitigation efforts.

The Chief Secretary emphasised on effective monitoring of projects to ensure their timely completion.

Managing Director, NHIDCL, Administrative Secretaries, of departments of  Revenue, Power Development, Public Works (R&B), Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Managing Director, Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Udhampur, Anantnag, Ganderbal and Baramulla among others participated in the meeting.