Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today joined the Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari at the breakthrough ceremony of the historic Zojila Tunnel.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari for making this vision a reality and said that the landmark project will usher in a new era of connectivity and development for Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.
Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel is scripting a new future of year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. This engineering marvel will significantly reduce travel time, ensure safer travel and provide substantial fuel savings.
"Today is undoubtedly a historic day. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Union Territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the relentless efforts of Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji, the Zojila Tunnel will emerge as a lifeline for the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting tourism and providing vital strategic support to our Armed Forces," the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor along with the Hon'ble Union Minister inspected the tunnel and expressed his deepest appreciation and commendation to all the engineers, personnel and workforce who have worked day and night under extremely challenging weather conditions at such a high altitude.
“Connectivity drives development and brings economic prosperity. Over the last 12 years, unprecedented work has been done in this sector across the country. There has been a significant improvement with regard to road, air and rail connectivity in these regions.
Given the scale of ongoing projects in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, I am confident that this will not only boost trade and tourism but will also significantly strengthen national security, especially in border areas.
I hope this project will be completed at the earliest and dedicated to the people of Ladakh and Jammu Kashmir," the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also stated that the completion of this infrastructural marvel will offer immense convenience to devotees of Baba Amarnath Ji coming to Jammu Kashmir from across the country.
As the Chairman of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, I once again extend my gratitude and congratulations for this achievement,” he said.
The approximately 14-kilometre bi-directional tunnel is being developed at a cost of around Rs 6,800 crore. Situated at elevations ranging from 2,900 metres to 3,310 metres, the project represents one of the most challenging mountain infrastructure undertakings in the world and showcases India's remarkable engineering prowess.
The tunnel will be equipped with state-of-the-art safety and operational features, including an advanced ventilation system, automatic fire detection system, modern CCTV surveillance, and cross-passages for pedestrian safety. The project also incorporates eight cut-and-cover sections, four bridges, forty culverts, snow galleries, catch dams, avalanche protection structures, approach roads, and other modern safety measures.
Upon completion, the Zojila Tunnel Project will reduce travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg from nearly two hours to approximately thirty minutes, resulting in substantial savings in both time and fuel.