Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) has won the contract to build the Zojilla tunnel connecting Kashmir and Ladakh at an estimated cost of Rs 4,509.50 crore.
The prestigious project in the Himalayan region will link Jammu and Kashmir to Leh via Kargil. The project, to be carried out in the most critical weather conditions, is expected to be completed in 72 months.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) opened the offers on Friday, and MEIL tops the list citing less than other companies.
Three companies submitted the offers to NHIDCL on July 30 and the funding offers were opened on August 21.
“A two-lane road with two-way traffic should be built on the Zojila road, called a single-tube tunnel. The road consists mainly of shafts as well as portal structures and excavated areas. This complex project is expected to be completed in just 72 months, ”said Ch Subbaiah, Director of MEIL.
The project is to be built in two divisions in two sections of approximately 33 kilometers.
The first section will be developed by the construction of the road of 18.50 kilometers. In the second section, the Zojila tunnel is to be built in the form of a 14.15 km one-lane two-lane horseshoe that is 9.5 meters wide and 7.57 meters high.
The project is of great importance, linking the two territories of the Union. The road from Srinagar to Leh in Ladakh is not suitable for car traffic throughout the year as it is completely closed for six months, especially during the winter season. Even military vehicles are unable to move in these conditions.
Traveling long distances on alternative routes has become an expensive affair and a waste of time. Under these conditions, the road tunnel was proposed between Sonamarg and Leh and Ladakh via Kargil a long time ago.
The tunnel is to be constructed 700 meters below the surface on average. The project is also located on the most complex mountainous terrain with snowstorms that often occur in the area. With dense snow covering the area for at least eight months of the year, construction work will not be an easy task. At the same time, a river also flows next to the proposed project site. The project may face serious water and ice flow problems during construction.
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has decided to improve road transport facilities for all commuters between Kashmir and Ladakh. As part of this plan, a road tunnel will also be built between Srinagar and Baltal. This tunnel route is also convenient for Amaranth Yatra pilgrims. The Baltal base camp near Kargil will be used for Amarnath yatra.
