Context: The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways will initiate the first blasting for construction-related work at the 14.15 km Zojila tunnel.

Key Facts

• Banihal Pass, Khardung La, Fotu La Pass are some of the important passes in the region.
• The famous Amarnath shrine is located near the vicinity of Zojilla Pass.

Significance of Zozila Tunnel

• The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Leh (Ladakh plateau) on NH-1.
• It will bring about an all-round economic and socio-cultural integration of Jammu & Kashmir (Now UTs of J&K and Ladakh).
• It involves the construction of a 14.15 Km long tunnel at an altitude of about 3000 m under Zojila pass (presently motorable only for 6 months in a year) on NH-1 connecting Srinagar and Leh through Dras & Kargil.
• It is one of the most dangerous stretches in the world to drive a vehicle & this project is also geo-strategically sensitive.
• This Project will make the travel on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Section of NH-1 free from avalanches.
• It would enhance the safety of the travelers crossing Zozila Pass and would reduce the travel time from more than 3 hours to 15 minutes.
• It will also be of great importance to the defence of the country, in view of the massive military activities taking place along our borders in Ladakh, Gilgit and Baltistan regions.
• Once completed, it will be the longest tunnel road in Asia.