Table of Content:
- Zojila Tunnel Project: Features
- Zojila Tunnel: Route
- ZojilaTunnel Map
- Zojila Tunnel Project: Benefits of Asia’s Longest Tunnel
Zojila Tunnel, a remarkable under-construction engineering marvel in Asia, is all set to transform transportation in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas. Once completed, this tunnel in the rocky Himalayan range in Kashmir will become Asia's longest tunnel as well as the longest bi-directional tunnel.
Let’s walk you through an interesting blog that will provide important information and the latest updates on the Zojila Tunnel.
Zojila Tunnel Project: Features
Here are the main features of the upcoming Zojila Tunnel, which is set to become the longest tunnel in Asia:
There are currently 19 tunnels being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir, with a total value of INR 25,000 crores.
Among these tunnels, the Zojila tunnel is currently under construction at a cost of approximately INR 6,800 crores.
The Zojila tunnel length stretches over a distance of 13.14 kilometers and stands at a height of 7.57 meters. This two-lane tunnel is designed to traverse the Zojila Pass located in the Himalayas, connecting Ganderbal in Kashmir with Drass town in the Kargil district of Ladakh.
Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd., a Hyderabad-based company, is responsible for constructing the Zojila tunnel.
Once completed, the tunnel will be well equipped with modern features like CCTV monitoring, a solid power supply, emergency lights, a tunnel radio system, etc.
According to the proposed plan, a pedestrian crossing will be located every 250 m.
Emergency telephones and firefighting cabinets will be available every 125 m.
Furthermore, motorable cross passages and lay-bys will be available at every 750 m.
Also Read: Longest Expressway in India: Route, Map, & Key Features
Zojila Tunnel: Route
On the Srinagar–Leh section, a bidirectional, single-tube tunnel will connect Baltal to Minamarg (in Ladakh).
It will link Sonmarg with Ladakh by passing through the Zojila Pass.
Additionally, the government is building a 6.5-kilometer Z-Morh tunnel from Gagangir to the resort city of Sonmarg.
The project will ensure connectivity between Srinagar and Kargil in all weather conditions. Moreover, it will make it easy for commuters to travel to Sonmarg even in the winter.
The travel distance between Leh to Sonmarg will be reduced from 11 km to 6.5km.
ZojilaTunnel Map
Below is the Zojila Tunnel map.
Zojila Tunnel Project: Benefits of Asia’s Longest Tunnel
Following are the reasons why the Zojila tunnel project will prove to be a boon for the connectivity, tourism and the economic development of the affected localities:
The presence of the Zojila Tunnel between Srinagar and Leh ensures year-round transportation, significantly enhancing accessibility in the region. This development will greatly improve the reachability of previously challenging areas. The construction of the tunnel will not only unlock opportunities for sustainable growth, but will also create new avenues for industrial activities.
Once the Zojila Tunnel is completed, it will be easier for tourists to visit Ladakh, Kashmir, and other surrounding areas. The increase in tourists will eventually lead to a surge in demand for accommodations like hotels, hostels, guest houses, and Airbnb. This increase in tourist footfall will boost the real estate market, as investors will be bound to take this as an opportunity to invest in hospitality and accommodation projects.
More infrastructure development in the form of new educational institutions, and healthcare facilities will continue to grow.
The Zojila Tunnel will also have a profound impact on local communities in the form of increasing job opportunities across various sectors like construction, hospitality, retail services.
The Takeaway
The Zojila Tunnel's completion will bring about a paradigm shift in the Himalayan region. The impact of the Zojila Tunnel will unlock the region's potential by boosting tourism, and providing a foundation for sustainable economic growth. As the Zojila Tunnel will open up, the impacted localities stand to benefit significantly .