The Zoji La Tunnel is a very important road tunnel project that is being built in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, India. It passes through the Zoji La Pass, which is one of the highest and most difficult mountain passes in the Himalayas.
This tunnel is being made so that people, vehicles, and even the army can travel throughout the year between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Right now, the road through Zoji La Pass remains closed for about six months in winter because of heavy snowfall. Once the tunnel is ready, it will give all-weather connectivity, meaning the road will remain open even during snow and bad weather.
The Zoji La Tunnel is a Himalayan road tunnel that is currently under construction in India. It is being built under the Zoji La Pass, which lies on the important route that connects Sonamarg in Ganderbal district (Jammu & Kashmir) with Dras in Kargil district (Ladakh).
The tunnel will be 14.15 km long, making it the longest bi-directional road tunnel in Asia. It is expected to reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh by several hours, and it will also help in improving trade, tourism, and defense movement in the region.
The project has been delayed due to multiple factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a terrorist attack at the Sonamarg Tunnel Project, and extreme adverse weather conditions.Union Minister for Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha that the tunnel will now be completed by February 2028, when it was previously scheduled to be ready by September 29, 2026
In which state is the Zojila Tunnel located?
Zoji La Tunnel is being built in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, India.
Which two locations are connected by Zoji La Pass?
Zoji La Tunnel connects Sonamarg in Ganderbal district (Jammu & Kashmir) with Dras in Kargil district (Ladakh).
Zoji La Tunnel coonects which two places
Zoji La pass connects Sonamarg with Drass
Which company is constructing the Zoji La Tunnel?
The tunnel is being built by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL)
Why is the Zoji La Tunnel important?
It provides all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, which currently remains cut off for several months due to heavy snowfall.
The Zoji La Tunnel, once completed, will reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh by how much?
With the tunnel, the travel time between Srinagar and Leh will be reduced by 3–4 hours, making journeys faster and safer.
When will the Zoji La Tunnel be completed?
The tunnel will now be completed by February 2028, when it was previously scheduled to be ready by September 29, 2026
What is the cost of the Zoji La Tunnel project?
The estimated cost of the project is around ₹6,809 crore.
This includes modern safety features like ventilation, lighting, CCTV monitoring, and emergency exits.
The project is being built by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL)
At what altitude is Zoji La Pass located?
The Zoji La Pass is at about 11,578 feet (3,528 metres) above sea level
Zoji La Tunnel Lenght
Zoji La Tunnel is 9.5 m wide, 7.57 m high and 14.2 km long, horseshoe-shaped single-tube, 2 lane road tunnel