Governance

Zojila tunnel project must be completed before 2024 elections, says Nitin Gadkari, reviews construction pace

The Rs 4,600 crore Zojila tunnel project is being executed by Megha Engineering and Infra Limited and the deadline for the project has been set for Dec-2023 by Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari.

The work on the Zojila Tunnel that was started back in 2005 in J&K has finally gained momentum under Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

Recently, on Tuesday, Nitin Gadkari reviewed the construction work of the strategically important Zojila and Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh highway.

The construction of this tunnel will provide all-weather safe connectivity between Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh regions. The tunnel will reduce the travel time between the two points from the present 3 hours to mere 15 minutes. 

Gadkari said,“I have given the construction company a new deadline — December 2023. I told them that it should be completed before the 2024 elections. Sab kaam 2024 se pehle khatam ho jana chahiye warna humara band bajega (All the work should be completed before 2024 elections, otherwise we will be in trouble).”

The Zojila tunnel between Baltal and Minamarg on the Srinagar-Leh section has been a public demand from Kargil, Drass and Ladakh region for the last 30 years for this tunnel. The economic and social benefit it brings upon completion is huge, considering that this helps to connect the regions that become cut-off from the rest in winter.

The contract for the Zojila Tunnel has been given to Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd. (MEIL), and Gurgaon-based APCO Infra, under the tender process conducted by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL).

The Zojila pass tunnel is set to become the longest bi-directional, and the Zojila tunnel and Z-Morh tunnels will strengthen India’s defence system & economy of J&K and Leh-Ladakh. 

Nitin Gadkari has been completing and initiating projects at breakneck speed and   is hellbent at completing the Zojila tunnel project before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

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