Infrastructure

KEY POINTS

·        The 14.15 km-long, two-lane bi-directional single tube Zoji-la tunnel is being constructed along with a 14.20 km long Parallel Escape (egress tunnel).

·        It will be India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel.

Significance

·        The tunnel will reduce the travel time from Baltal to Drass drastically.

·        It will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, which otherwise remain cut-off from rest of country for several months in the winter due to heavy snow.

·        The project will not only enhance the safety of travellers crossing the Zojila Pass but will also make the travel on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Section of NH-1 free from avalanches.

·        The project would trigger a boost in employment and business opportunities.

·        Earlier, Medicines, vegetables and other important items are flown through the air during winters, which makes them expensive.

·        This project will definitely improve peoples’ lives and make them more comfortable especially during the winters.

Strategic importance

·        While Ladakh is connected to Pakistan through the Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC) connects the region to China.

·        Road connectivity is important for defence forces, keeping in view the activities carried out by China and Pakistan along the borders in Ladakh, Gilgit and Baltistan regions.

·        This tunnel will help the Leh-based 14 Corps, which is responsible for military developments in areas near the Pakistan and China borders.

·        In hostile times, this tunnel would be very helpful because it would ensure continuous logistics and other necessary supplies.

Challenges

·        Tunnelling through the fragile Zojila formations would throw up geological surprises.

·        The challenges includes

a)     the lack of oxygen

b)     snow accumulation up to 25-30 feet

c)      peak minimum temperature of -45°C

·        The entire project site is prone to avalanches.