ALI JAFFAR7TH Semester

Civil Engineering Deptt.

GCET JAMMU

Introduction The Zojila (also known as Zozila or Zoji) is one of the most

important passes in India. At an elevation of 11,575 ft (3,528m) above sea level, the pass lies amid Leh in the Western Himalayan Mountain Range and Srinagar on the National highway 1D

Extremely narrow ,this pass is one of the most dangerous passes in this region, expecting vicious winds due to the funnel effect and very heavy snowfall. The average snow buildup is approx. 15 to 30 meters . There are more than 60 dangerous avalanche sites on this road.

From Sonamarg in Kashmir , the distance of Zojila pass is 9 km (5.6 mi) .The pass functions as a major link between Ladakh and Kashmir. The Zojila pass ranks as the second highest pass in India subsequent to Fotu La pass situated in the same Highway.

The pass usually stays closed during the winter months, however the Border Road Organization (BRO) is operating to boost traffic for the greater part of the year

The region is of great strategic importance to India. On the north and north-east, the border is disputed with China and the two countries fought a war in the region in 1962. To the north lies the Siachen Glacier region, where the Indian and Pakistani armies face off, and the Kargil region, which was subject to a Pakistani incursion in 1999.

The only other road into the region - the Leh- Manali highway is open for just four-and-half months because the road passes through the high Taglang La, Baralacha La and Rohtang Pass, which also get snowed up for a long period.

This situation compels the army and the civil authorities to spend the five months or so in which the road is open to stock the Ladakh region with food and fuel for its bitter winter.

Contd……

The All Weather Road

The proposed passage through Zojila comprises of two tunnels

a. The Z- Morh tunnel.

b. The Zojila tunnel

Z- Morh tunnel is the first of two tunnels that will ensure connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh round the year.

This 6.5 km long tunnel gets its name from its Z formation between Sonamarg and Gagangir.

Z-Morh tunnel

The foundation stone laying function of historical 6.5 km long Z - Morh tunnel, costing Rs 2700 crore, was held on October 4, 2012 at the famous Sonamarg resort.

The construction of first phase of the tunnel with a tentative cost of Rs 200 crore per km begins from Sonamarg to Gagangir near Drass.

Features..

This tunnel will ensure the passage of 1000 vehicles an hour at an approved maximum speed of 80 km per hour.

The Border Road Organization (BRO) is executing the project and it is expected to be completed ahead of august 2018 deadline

The carriageway width for tunnel will be 8 meters and the breadth of the escape tunnel will be 3.5 meters.

Zojila tunnel

The second – The Zojila Tunnel is about 13.8km long and is just 20 km away from the Z- Morh

This tunnel is estimated to cost about Rs 5,500 crore and is likely to be approved by the Union government soon.

The contract of conducting feasibility studies for Zojila Tunnel has been allotted to M/s iBilt Technologies New Delhi on 29 Apr 09 at a cost of Rs. 29.985 crore. A period of one and half year had been allowed in bid for feasibility study and submission of feasibility report.

The foundation of this tunnel is likely to be laid in April 2014

This tunnel is expected to be completed by 2022-2023

Gallery

Tunnel of Hope

Taking into consideration the reality that by the end of April, majority of provisions in Ladakh diminish to sustainable phases, this opening will turn out to be a blessing to all people in Ladakh.

Supporting these two tunnels the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qasigund tunnels, which are under construction to ensure connectivity with the valley and Jammu and the rest of the country

Once all four tunnels are put in place , the journey from Jammu to Ladakh will be reduced from 40 to 24 hours.

Besides strategically helping the security forces stationed in Ladakh, it will raise the quality of life and the pace of development of the entire region, including Leh and Kargil

Contd….

During summers, the locals as well as the administration focus their efforts on stocking the basic amenities for the winters — thus other crucial development issues continue to be ignored.

Tourism contributes greatly to the economy of Kargil's neighboring district Leh; however, here the tourism industry is dependent on the Srinagar-Leh highway

Despite having a huge potential for winter sports, Kargil suffers due to the six-month inaccessibility. Its greatest asset is at the same time its biggest drawback!

Conclusion

It is impossible to imagine the difficulties faced by the people in these remote regions in the severe weather conditions unless one practically faces these on the ground. Thus, there is utmost urgency to take immediate measures to relieve the sufferings of Ladakhis in winter. Choice is with the Government. Expedite the Tunnel and open up the routes!