Zojila Tunnel: Project details, length map and latest news about Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel

[ecis2016.org] The 14.15-km Zojila tunnel, constructed with smart tunnel safety features, is set to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh

The under-construction Zojila tunnel, in the rocky Himalayan range in Kashmir, is set to become the longest road tunnel in India and the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. The 14.15-km tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh (Ladakh plateau) via Dras and Kargil on the National Highway 1.

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The Indian government is developing 20 tunnels, spanning 32 kilometres, in Jammu and Kashmir (now UTs of J&K and Ladakh) and 11 tunnels, spanning 20 kilometres, in Ladakh. The total cost of these 31 tunnels is estimated to be around Rs 1.4 lakh crores.

The last phase of the Zojila tunnel construction works is expected to be completed in September 2025, ahead of its deadline of November 2026. As per the officials, the tunnel could be opened by September 2024 to allow the movement of the armed forces. Also, once the final tube of Zojila project gets completed, the 32-kilometre distance from Sonamarg to Minamarg will be covered in less than 40 minutes instead of four hours.

Zojila tunnel project details and construction

The construction work for the project is being undertaken by a Hyderabad-based company, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL). Earlier, the project was awarded under the Hybrid Annuity Model. In 2020, the government said that it was planning to convert it to the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode.

Zojila tunnel project: Zojila pass smart tunnel features

The project is being developed as a smart tunnel. It will be equipped with modern safety features, including a fully transverse ventilation system, CCTV monitoring, uninterrupted power supply, emergency lighting, variable message signs, traffic logging equipment and a tunnel radio system.

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The Zojila tunnel, with length 14.15 km, is the first-of-its-kind tunnel project in the Himalayas, given the challenging geographical conditions. It will be the highest tunnel, built at an altitude of 11,578 ft (around 3,500 metres). As per the proposed project plan, there will be provision for pedestrian cross passages at every 250 metres, emergency telephones and fire-fighting cabinets at every 125 metres, and motorable cross passages and lay-bys at every 750 metres.

The halfway mark of the Zojila tunnel excavation work has been successfully completed, accomplishing a major milestone.

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Zojila tunnel project route

The two-lane, bi-directional, single tube tunnel will link Baltal to Minamarg (in Ladakh) on the Srinagar-Leh section. It will bypass the Zojila Pass and link Sonmarg (in J&K) with Ladakh. The government is also constructing a 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel from Gagangir to Sonmarg, a resort town. This will ensure connectivity in all weather conditions between Srinagar (in Jammu and Kashmir) and Kargil (in Ladakh). For the first time, it will give easy access to Sonmarg, even during the winters.

Zojila Tunnel project map

Source: PIB

Zojila tunnel project cost

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According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the project construction cost was initially budgeted at Rs 6,575.85 crores. The overall project cost is estimated to be Rs 8,308 crores by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), after considering escalation at 5% per annum. The total integrated cost, including Zojila tunnel and approaches up to Z- Morh tunnel, is pegged at Rs 10,643 crores.

The government is considering design changes in the project to prevent cost escalation. The Z-Morh tunnel work, which is expected to be completed by December 2023, is being constructed at a cost of Rs 2,378 crores.

Union minister, Nitin Gadkari, recently said that while the cost of the Zojila tunnel in the tender was projected at around Rs 11,000 crores, the government has taken efforts to lower the cost by Rs 5,000 crores.

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Zojila tunnel timeline

• 2005: The tunnel project was first planned, and a detailed project report (DPR) was prepared by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2013 on BOT (Annuity) mode.
• July 2016: The project was given to NHIDCL for implementation on the EPC mode.
• January 2018: The Zojila tunnel project received approval from the union cabinet.
• May 2018: The foundation stone was laid by prime minister Narendra Modi.
• February 2020: The project was reviewed by the Ministry for Road Transport and Highways.
• May 2020: An expert group submitted its report that was approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
• October 15, 2020: Work on the Zojila tunnel began.

Zojila Tunnel benefits

The Zojila Pass is closed during snowfall in the winter months, thus, cutting off Ladakh from Kashmir and other parts of the country. The tunnel will make the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh section on NH 1 free from avalanches, augment safety in the region and significantly reduce the travel time by more than three hours, to a mere 15 minutes. The distance between Baltal and Minamarg will be reduced to about 13 kilometres from the existing route of 40 kilometres. Apart from providing safe connectivity to Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh, the construction of this tunnel will lead to all-around economic and socio-cultural integration of these areas.

The infrastructure project also holds strategic importance for the country, as Ladakh shares de-facto borders with Pakistan and China and depends on air supplies for around six months in a year. It will provide logistical flexibility to the military.

Once completed, the project is also expected to give a push to tourism, local business activities and employment opportunities in the region.

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