Ganderbal, Sep 19: Work on strategic Zojila tunnel is in full swing with Nilgar 1 tunnel ready while lining of Nilgrar 2 tunnel has commenced, officials said.

They said that 4 km length two each from Kashmir and Ladakh of the main Zoji La tunnel has been completed so far.

Officials said that the tunnel is envisaged to provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh and the MEIL has paced up the work to ensure its timely completion.

Project Manager Megha engineering and infrastructures Ltd Harpal Singh said that of total 13.5 kilometres, work on four kilometres of the main Zojila tunnel has been completed besides sub structure of three major bridges 1 km cut and cover has been completed so far.

The work on the tunnel was started in the year October 2020. The highway will have two twin-tube tunnels, 4 bridges, and 2 snow galleries, 8 cut and cover structures ,catch dam and deflection dam and lots more.

He added that in addition, a 2,350 metre concrete ‘cut and cover’ tunnel will be built, along with 3 ventilation caverns or shafts.

“Works also include construction of portals, control buildings, ventilation buildings and muck disposables along the route,” it said.

With the construction of the tunnel, distance from Baltal to Minamarg will come down to 13 kilometres from the present 40 km and travel time is expected to be cut by an hour and a half.

The project is expected to lead to integrated development of both the UTs.

The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Kashmir, which is otherwise hampered during winters as Zojila pass is covered in snow and avalanches during winters.kno