Minimarg, Jun 09 (KNO): Asserting that Zojila Tunnel project will bring improvements in people’s lives, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that it would ease access to education, healthcare and markets, and significantly boost tourism and trade.
Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, CM Omar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), congratulated the people of Ladakh and thanked Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and his team for advancing the project to a stage where all-weather connectivity is now within reach.
He said the closure of the Zojila axis during winters causes hardship, and the tunnel would transform lives by improving access to education, healthcare, tourism, trade and commerce.
"The true impact of this tunnel will be reflected in the lives of local residents-students, patients and traders. This project will bring change that is difficult to fully measure today," Omar said.
Expressing hope for early completion of the remaining work, the Chief Minister said the breakthrough marks the fulfilment of a key aspiration of the region.
However, he flagged another long-pending demand of Kargil residents, urging Gadkari to facilitate regular air connectivity to the region.
"We made serious efforts but could not succeed. I request Gadkari Sahib to help realise this demand of the people of Kargil," he said, adding that improved air connectivity would further boost development and integration.
He congratulated the people of Drass and appreciating the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the project.
It’s in place to mention here that with this development, the project moves closer to completion of what will be one of the most critical all-weather road links between Kashmir and Ladakh. Once operational, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time across Zojila Pass from 1–1.5 hours to just about 15 minutes, significantly improving year-round mobility.
The tunnel is a geostrategically vital infrastructure project measuring 13.153 km in length, 9.5 metres in width, and 7.57 metres in height, built at an altitude of around 11,578 feet above sea level. It is a horseshoe-shaped, single-tube, two-lane road tunnel designed to ensure uninterrupted connectivity even in extreme weather conditions.
The project is being executed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
Also present on the occasion were Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Member of Parliament Ladakh Haji Mohd Haneefa Jan, along with senior civil, military and project officials—(KNO)