Though the government of India (GoI) has approved and sanctioned the construction of two vital tunnels on strategic Srinagar-Leh national highway to make it an all ‘weather road’, however the delay in the execution of these two vital projects has marred the purpose of this project.
Much to the respite for the people of Kargil and Leh, the twin districts in Jammu and Kashmir, which remain inaccessible for rest of the country due to inclement weather during winters, it was not less than a dream come true.The strategic 434 Km long Srinagar-Leh highway is the only lifeline for the survival of people of Ladakh and their socio-economic development.
The Srinagar-Leh road remains closed for about five months during winters as the area from Sonamarg -Drass along highway receive heavy snowfall.
Though first approved way back in 2005, the twin tunnels had remained on the drawing board ever since on account of technical difficulties in implementing the project in such a difficult terrain.
Work gathered momentum only after Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, following a visit to J&K, requested the then union road minister CP Joshi to expedite it.
While in the first phase a 6.5 km long tunnel estimated to cost about Rs 2700 crore is being constructed near Z-morh at Shitkari, Sonamarg and in the second phase a 13 km long tunnel would come up at Zojila.
Though the foundation stone of the 6.5 Km long Z- morh tunnel near Shitkari Sonamarg was laid by the AICC vice president in presence of them Chief minister Omar Abdullah, then Union Minister C P Joshi, and other high profile leaders on Oct 04, 2012. However, despite passing three years there has been no visible development seen to this project.
However official sources said that the surveying work has been completed and work is expected to start in April next year.
“Besides enhancing the safety of the commuters, the construction of tunnel will provide employment to the local population. In addition to this the improved all-weather road connectivity will boost up industrial growth and local economic activities in villages, towns and other areas falling in or situated close to the project highway, “ Senior NC leader and MLA Kangan, Mian Altaf Ahmed said.
Officials also mentioned that the tunnel being built on the Srinagar-Leh section of the National Highway Z-Morh tunnel is 6.5 km long, having two lanes with parallel 6.5 km long escape tunnel on a new alignment between Gagengar and Sonamarg.
Officials added that the construction of these tunnels will entail an investment of Rs 12000 crore.
“The beginning of work on the 6.5 km long Z-Morh tunnel between Sonamarg and Gagengar had raised the hopes for all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh regions.” Fida Hussain, a business man from Kargil told. Hussain is a regular traveler along Sgr-Leh road for his business work.
Speaking to us the Chairman Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali said that with the onset of winter chaos and confusion prevails on the strategic Srinagar-Leh highway, adding that the road is mountainous and prone to slides and accidents.
“The construction of these two tunnels is vital for the whole region, “Ali said. He added, “The second and the more critical step relates to the construction of the proposed 13 km long Zojila tunnel, which will ultimately help overcome the difficulties of travel through the current Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh Road” he added.
Chief Executive Councilor LAHDC (Kargil), Haji Haneefa Jan said that the Zojila tunnel is more important than Z- morh adding the process for constructing the tunnel should be expedited. “The people travelling on the road face immense hardships during summer as well as winters and it could be eased only if tunnels are constructed” CEC told .
