Strategic tunnel
Zojila tunnel has assumed more importance because of the continuous LAC standoff in eastern Ladakh. The Government of India has embarked on the path of development in the border areas especially in Ladakh region.
In the recent past the government has inaugurated a lot of small bridges, culverts and other roads of importance in Ladakh region in order to provide connecting routes to the army.
Zojila tunnel has been in the hands of engineers for a long time. Due to its tough terrain and high altitude work, the construction work on this tunnel could not be started.
Now Union Minister Natin Gadkari has assured people that the Zojila tunnel would be a reality and would be completed within the timeline set by the government for the contracting company.
Gadkari said, “Zojila stretch is strategically important to the defence of our country. It will not only provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Drass, Kargil and Leh but it will also further strengthen the economic and social-cultural integration of both the Union Territories.”
Due to the standoff with Chinese army, this national highway-1 has assumed significance and when the tunnel is completed it will not only reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh but also provide an all weather road to the army also.
If this road is completed along with the tunnel, people of Ladakh will see a complete turnaround in their development as they remain cut off from the rest of the world for six months because of lack of Zojila tunnel.
