Kashmir to Ladakh all year round! Zojila Tunnel likely to be ready before 2024; details
The Modi government wants the Zojila tunnel in Kashmir to be inaugurated before the year 2024 general elections hence asked the contractor to speed up the development work by about three years. During a recent inspection of the Zojila tunnel’s West portal in Baltal, Kashmir, the Union Minister said the work is supposed to be over by September 2026. The minister was quoted in an IE report saying that he has asked the authorities to finish the work by December 2023 so that PM Modi can inaugurate the tunnel before Republic Day of 2024. Once completed, the 14.5 kilometre long Zojila tunnel, which will be the longest bi-direction tunnel of Asia at a height of over 11,500 feet. The tunnel will provide all-weather, perennial connectivity between Ladakh and Kashmir, which is otherwise hampered during winters as the ancient Zojila pass is covered in snow and avalanches.
