SRINAGAR: The NHIDCL has already completed the Escape tunnel of the huge Zoji La Tunnel, visiting Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur was told at Sonamarg. The breakthrough in the completion of the escape tunnel was achieved on September 16, 2021.
Officials said the work on the 6412 meters long main tunnel was going on but no details of achievement were shared. They however told the visiting minister that the work will go on uninterrupted during winters also.
Zojila tunnel is located at the existing highway (NH-01) starting from Sonamarg and ending at Minamarg (Ladakh) at an elevation ranging from 2700m to 3300m, thus making the 13.2 km tunnel as the longest tunnel at this elevation in Asia, according to an official spokesman. The site falls under seismic zone IV thus requiring precautionary measures. Being executed in DBFOT, the tunnel would cost Rs 2378 crore.
The minister made a brief speech on the occasion. He was briefed by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Krittika Jyotsna and other officers.
