Union Minister for Transport and Roadways Minister Nitin Gadkari Monday inspected the 13-km-long strategically-important Zojila Tunnel that connects the Kashmir Valley with the Union Territory of Ladakh. Gadkari termed the tunnel historic and said that the project is part of a dream to connect the Kashmir Valley with Kanyakumari. The Union Minister also announced that the Z-Morh tunnel, which connects Gagangir with Sonamarg and provides all-weather connectivity to the resort in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, will be inaugurated in October this year.
“This is a historic and important tunnel in the history of India. The tunnel length is supposed to be the highest in Asia,” Gadkari told reporters after inspecting the work on the site at an altitude of over 11,500 feet. The union minister said about 38 per cent of the work has been completed, and a part of the project will be inaugurated this year to provide relief to the people.
On the occasion Gadkari stressed all out efforts are being made to open the tunnel for traffic ahead of its deadline set for 2026. “We are planning to open part of the project earlier than 2026”. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and Members of Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Road Transport and Highways also accompanied the Union Minister where they were briefed on the progress made on the ambitious project.
The Union Minister expressed hope that with the completion of the Zojila tunnel tourism will also increase by 3-4 times thereby creating employment opportunities for the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. “I have requested the Lt Governor and Jammu and Kashmir government to plan resorts, and adventure sports, and just like Switzerland, we can develop a lot of things here, “ he said. Addressing a press conference after conducting the inspection the Union Minister told reporters 19 tunnels are being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir at a cost of Rs 25 thousand crore.
“19 tunnels are being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir at a cost of Rs 25 thousand crore. Under this, construction work of a 13.14 km long tunnel and approach road is in progress at Zojila at a cost of Rs 6800 crore,” said.
