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Work on Zojila tunnel to start in August: Akhoon

GNS NEW DELHI, FEB 16: Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved the construction of Zojila tunnel in Kashmir Valley to provide all season link to the twin districts of Kargil and Leh with other parts of the country.
This was stated by Minister for Transport Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon   after attending high level meeting convened by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Dr. C. P. Joshi, here today.
The Minister said that foundation stone for construction of first phase 6 Km tunnel with a tentative cost of Rs 200 crore per km, from Gagangir to Sonamerg would be in August 2012. 
The Director General Roads would personally oversee the work till the commissioning of the tunnel, Akhoon informed.    
He said the date for starting work on IInd phase from Baltal to Mainamerg shall be announced at the foundation laying ceremony.
The Minister said that feasibility report for the tunnel project has already been prepared. He said that the Union Minister has set March 2012 as dead line for submitting Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Mr. Akhoon also informed that the BEACON and other agencies looking after the road have been instructed by the Union Ministry to clear the snow in cooperation so that the only life line to Kargil and Leh is opened as early as possible. Accordingly the authorities of VIJAK have been asked to look after this important highway up to Captain More from Kargil side, while BEACON will maintain the road up to Captain More from Sonamerg side.
Mr. Akhoon apprised the Union Minister that the 420 km  long Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which happens to be the only road link  for the people of Kargil and Leh remains closed for a major part of the year due to inclement weather and heavy snow fall on higher reaches from Sonamerg to Drass. He said due to closure of the road    the inhabitants of the region   face tremendous problems especially during winter.
The Minister said that construction of the tunnel at the identified places will help to keep the road open round the year.
Among others Member Finance Commission Mr. Jain Singh, Union Secretary Road Transport and National Highways, Director General Road Development, Director General Border Roads Organization, Special Secretary Ministry of Road Transport and Additional Secretary/ Financial Advisor Road Transport and National Highways attended the meeting.

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