Srinagar, Jun 9 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for making the historic breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel a reality, asserting that the landmark project will usher in a new era of connectivity and development for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Described as Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel, the project is scripting a new future of year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Sinha said this engineering marvel will significantly reduce travel time, ensure safer travel and provide substantial fuel savings.
“Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji and relentless efforts of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari , the Zojila Tunnel will emerge as a lifeline for the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting tourism and providing vital strategic support to our Armed Forces,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha was speaking after joining Mr Gadkari at the breakthrough ceremony of the strategic tunnel. He also expressed his deepest appreciation and commendation to all engineers, personnel and workforce who worked day and night under extremely challenging weather conditions at such high altitude.
The approximately 14-km bi-directional tunnel, being developed at a cost of around Rs 6,800 crore, is situated at elevations ranging from 2,900 metres to 3,310 metres. Officials said the project represents one of the most challenging mountain infrastructure undertakings in the world and will reduce travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg from nearly two hours to approximately thirty minutes. (KNS).
