Zojila Tunnel (Geography)
Zojila Tunnel (Geography)
Why In News:
The Zojila Tunnel- connecting Sonmarg (Kashmir Valley) to Minimarg (Kargil side)- is set to see its final breakthrough, signalling near-completion of what will be Asia's longest bi-directional road tunnel (13.15 km) and a transformative infrastructure project for Ladakh and J&K.
Zojila Pass- Current Situation
Location: Zojila Pass (elevation ~11,575 ft) on NH-1 (Srinagar–Kargil–Leh Highway).
Annual Closure: The pass is blocked by snow for approximately 6 months (November to May), cutting off Ladakh from Kashmir Valley.
Zojila Tunnel
Length: 13.15 km- will be Asia's longest bi-directional road tunnel when complete.
Route: Sonmarg (J&K) to Minimarg (Kargil district). Reduces travel time from ~3.5 hours (over Zojila Pass) to ~15 minutes.
Executing Agency: NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Strategic Importance: Ladakh borders both China (LAC) and Pakistan (LoC). Year-round road access is critical for rapid military mobilisation and logistics.
Key Facts for Prelims
NHIDCL: Implements highway projects in North-East India, J&K, Ladakh, and Himalayan states. Under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
NH-1 (Srinagar–Leh Highway): The only road link connecting Ladakh to the rest of India via Kashmir Valley.
Ladakh Became a UT: Under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory (without legislature) while J&K became a UT with legislature.