Zojila Tunnel UPSC

Zojila Tunnel UPSC | Length, Work Status, Benefits, Connect Which Area | Why In The News ?

The Union Transport Ministry has launched the first blasting for construction-related work at the Zojila tunnel that will provide all-year connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh.

Zojila Tunnel : 

• The Zojila is set to be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel.
• It will connect Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh via a tunnel through the famous Zojila Pass.
• Located at more than 11,500 feet above sea level, the all-weather Zojila tunnel will be 14.15 km long and ensure road connectivity even during winters.
• It will make the travel on the 434-km Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Section of NH-1 free from avalanches, enhance safety and reduce the travel time from more than 3 hours to just 15 minutes.
• The speed limit inside the tunnel is likely to be the same as in the Atal tunnel – 80 kmph.
• The project holds strategic significance as Zojila Pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway and remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall. Kamchatka Peninsula UPSC

Zojila Tunnel Benefits :

• After the tunnel is constructed, the areas of Srinagar, Drass, Kargil and Leh will remain connected every season.
• It is also strategically important as the road also supplies jawans posted in Siachen.
• These areas, which are cut off from the rest of the country in winter, will grow rapidly when they connect with the country throughout the year.
• It was in demand for the last 30 years.
• There will be no fear of avalanches on the srinagar-Kargil-Leh way.

Key Features Of Zojila Tunnel : 

• Within the tunnel, there will be emergency lay-byes on both sides of the road, every 750 metres.
• There will also be sideways on both sides of the cariazway.
• According to European standards, emergency calls will be facilitated every 125 metres.
• The entire tunnel will have an automatic fire detection system.
• There will also be a button on the manual fire alarm. Each driver should also have a portable extinguisher.
• CCTV cameras will be installed on the walls of the tunnel.
• Cameras will be installed by installing pillars when the tunnel starts and is finished.
• All data and image/video will be sent to the control room through communications lines.