Union Cab approves construction of 2-lane Zojila Tunnel

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by PM Narendra Modi has given its approval to the construction, operation and maintenance of 2-lane bi-directional Zojila Tunnel with Parallel Escape (Egress) Tunnel excluding approaches on Srinagar-Leh section connecting NH-1A at Km 95 and at Km 118 in Jammu & Kashmir on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode.

The construction of this tunnel will provide all weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh and will bring about all round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. The project has strategic and socio-economic importance and shall be an instrument for the development of the economically backward districts in Jammu & Kashmir, according to a PIB release.

The total capital cost of the project is Rs 6,808.69 crore.  It includes the cost towards land acquisition, resettlement & rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities as well as maintenance and operation cost of tunnel for four years. The construction period of the project is seven years starting from the date of commencement of construction. The civil construction cost of the project is Rs 4,899.42 crore.

The main objective of the project is to provide all whether connectivity to strategically important Leh region in Jammu & Kashmir which at the moment is limited to at best 6 months because of snow on the passes and threat of avalanches. The project aims at construction of 14.150 km long two lane bi-directional single tube tunnel with a parallel 14.2 km long egress tunnel excluding approaches between Baltal & Minamarg in J&K, according to the PIB release.