+
MEIL to construct Zojila Pass Tunnel
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

MEIL to construct Zojila Pass Tunnel

Image courtesy: Financial Express

In a major development in the Zojila pass tunnel project in Jammu Kashmir - Ladakh, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure (MEIL) emerged as the lowest bidder by quoting Rs 45.099 million. The other two bidders in the running were Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Ircon International JV. The contract was awarded to MEIL thus giving impetus to the long-stalled project in the right direction. National highways and Industrial Development Corporation (NHIDCL) had opened the bids on 14 August 2020.

The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He even dubbed the infrastructural project as a “technological marvel”.

The Cabinet on January 3, 2018, had approved the Zojila tunnel project with Parallel Escape (Egress) tunnel between Baltal and Minamarg on the Srinagar-Leh section of NH-1A at a total cost of Rs 68 billion. 

Significance of the project

The project is of significant importance because Zojila Pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway and remains closed for about seven months during winters due to heavy snowfall. Due to the seasonal closing Defense forces face difficulty in ensuring supplies to border posts during winters across Zoji La pass. The tunnel along with the 6.5 km long Z-Morh Tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh and will bring about all-round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions.

The construction aspect

The 33 km long project will be executed in 2 parts. The first section will be the construction of 18.50 km road. The second part will be a 14.15 km long tunnel which will be built in the shape of a horseshoe. The construction of the project will take six years because of the treacherous terrain and low temperatures in the area.

The project being labelled as Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel and is expected to reduce a 3 and a half-hour drive to 15 minutes of travel.

Features of Zojila Pass Tunnel include:
  • A fully traverse ventilation system
  • Emergency lighting
  • Continuous power supply
  • Traffic logging equipment
  • CCTV monitoring
  • Tunnel radio system
  • Variable message signs
  • Overheight vehicle detection
  • The provision of emergency telephones
  • Fire-fighting cabinets every 125 metres
  • Pedestrian cross passages every 250 metres
  • Motorable cross passages as well as lay-bys every 750 metres. 
The project will increase connectivity of the local markets with the national markets thus helping local business and will bring about an increase in job opportunities.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

Image courtesy: Financial ExpressIn a major development in the Zojila pass tunnel project in Jammu Kashmir - Ladakh, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure (MEIL) emerged as the lowest bidder by quoting Rs 45.099 million. The other two bidders in the running were Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Ircon International JV. The contract was awarded to MEIL thus giving impetus to the long-stalled project in the right direction. National highways and Industrial Development Corporation (NHIDCL) had opened the bids on 14 August 2020.The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He even dubbed the infrastructural project as a “technological marvel”.The Cabinet on January 3, 2018, had approved the Zojila tunnel project with Parallel Escape (Egress) tunnel between Baltal and Minamarg on the Srinagar-Leh section of NH-1A at a total cost of Rs 68 billion. Significance of the projectThe project is of significant importance because Zojila Pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway and remains closed for about seven months during winters due to heavy snowfall. Due to the seasonal closing Defense forces face difficulty in ensuring supplies to border posts during winters across Zoji La pass. The tunnel along with the 6.5 km long Z-Morh Tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh and will bring about all-round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions.The construction aspectThe 33 km long project will be executed in 2 parts. The first section will be the construction of 18.50 km road. The second part will be a 14.15 km long tunnel which will be built in the shape of a horseshoe. The construction of the project will take six years because of the treacherous terrain and low temperatures in the area.The project being labelled as Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel and is expected to reduce a 3 and a half-hour drive to 15 minutes of travel.Features of Zojila Pass Tunnel include:A fully traverse ventilation systemEmergency lightingContinuous power supplyTraffic logging equipmentCCTV monitoringTunnel radio systemVariable message signsOverheight vehicle detectionThe provision of emergency telephonesFire-fighting cabinets every 125 metresPedestrian cross passages every 250 metresMotorable cross passages as well as lay-bys every 750 metres. The project will increase connectivity of the local markets with the national markets thus helping local business and will bring about an increase in job opportunities.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Rs 2.82 Billion Approved for NH-48 Flyovers, Footbridges

Gurugram’s section of National Highway 48 is set for a significant infrastructure upgrade, with the Central Government approving Rs 2.82 billion for the construction of four flyovers and nine foot overbridges along the Gurgaon–Kotputli–Jaipur corridor. This initiative aims to ease congestion, improve commuter safety, and boost regional connectivity, according to officials.The planned flyovers will be built at Panchgaon Chowk, Rathiwas, near the Hero Company, and Sahlawas. The nine foot overbridges will be constructed at Shikhopur, Manesar, Binola, Rathiwas, Malpura, Jaisinghpurkhera, Sid..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

VSL Wins Rs 810-Cr O&M Deal for 810 MWp NGEL Solar Assets

VSL Renewable Services has secured a Rs 810 crore operation and maintenance (O&M) contract for 810 MWp of NTPC Green Energy’s (NGEL) solar power projects spread across Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The contract duration is 36 months.The tender, issued in January 2025, was divided into two lots: Lot 1 for 1,054 MWp and Lot 2 for 810 MWp. VSL emerged as the lowest bidder in both categories, but was awarded only Lot 2 in accordance with NTPC’s tender guidelines.Advanced Monitoring and Tailored StrategiesThe O&M scope will employ artificial intelligence and Internet of..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

AP Issues Bid for Rs 34.9 Billion Battery Storage Project

The Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (APTRANSCO) has invited bids for the development of 1,000 MW/2,000 MWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) across seven substations in the state. The project, with an estimated viability gap funding of up to Rs 34.9 billion, will be executed under a build, own, and operate (BOO) model through tariff-based competitive bidding.Bid Timeline and StructureBids must be submitted by 29 September 2025 and will be opened on 6 October. The VGF support per project is capped at Rs 1.8 million per MWh and will be released in three instalments—20 per cent u..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?