The cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of the two-lane, bi-directional Zoji La tunnel to connect the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh.

The tunnel, to be constructed at the cost of Rs 6,809 crore, will provide all-weather connectivity between key sectors of Srinagar, Kargil and Leh. According to the Indian Express, the 14.2-km long tunnel will be Asia’s longest two-lane bi-directional pass.

Ladakh is currently connected to the rest of the country by two roads, one that connects it to Kashmir through the Zoji La pass and the other that connects it to Manali through the Rohtang Pass. Both these roads, however, provide fragile connectivity and remain shut due to snowfall during winters (December to April).

“Strategically India stands to gain militarily in its overall capability to secure the Lima (Leh) sector 365 days of the year, besides optimally enhancing the administration and logistics for the civil administration of Ladakh,” said Syed Ata Hasnain, a retired lieutenant general who headed the Srinagar-based 15-Corps.

“The provision of all-weather connectivity between Lima (Leh) sector and the rest of India... will enable an optimization of resources and spare crucial air transport effort for other sectors,” Hasnain added.

The tunnel will be built by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation and is expected to be completed in seven years.

“Had the Zoji La Tunnel been constructed (earlier), India could have evaded the Kargil War,” said Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, underlining the importance of the tunnel project.

According to experts, the construction of the tunnel will make the movement of supplies, troops and heavy equipment to Ladakh easier.

Also Read: Chenani-Nashri Tunnel: No Need To Move Mountains, Just Go Through Them Now

Zo Jila Tunnel

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