Sonmarg, Sept 30: The foundation stone laying function of historical 6.5 kms long Zojila tunnel, costing Rs 2700 crore, is being held on October 4 at the famous Sonamarg resort.
The construction of first phase the tunnel with a tentative cost of Rs 200 crore per km begins from Sonmarg to Gagangir near Drass.
A meeting chaired by Minister for Forests, Ecology, Environment and Wild Life, Mian Altaf Ahmed reviewed the arrangements and discussed various steps taken for smooth conduct of the foundation ceremony including security related matters.
During the meeting, the Minister also recieved feedback from various concerned agencies about the preparations for the final arrangements for such historical event.
Meanwhile, the Minister also reviewed the pace of the progress of various under execution development projects presently running at Sonamarg.
The meeting was attended among others by District Development Commissioner, Ganderbal, Mr. Showkat Ahmed Mir, Brig T.P.S Rawat, VSM Chief Engineer, Beacon, Officers of National High Way Authority of India, PWD, Police and Sonamarg Development Authority.
Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways approved the construction of Zojila tunnel in order to provide all an season link to the twin districts of Kargil and Leh with Kashmir valley,” state Minister for Transport Qamar Ali Akhoon said.
Zoji La is 9 km from Sonamarg and provides a vital link between Ladakh and Kashmir valley. It runs at an elevation of approximately 3,528 metres (11,575 ft), and is the second highest pass after Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. It is often closed during winter, though the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to extend traffic to most parts of the year.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
ACT NOW |
MONTHLY | Rs 100 | |
YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |