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.

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
Technology

AirBrick Infra Sets Rs 1 billion Target, Expands to Dubai and Tier-II Cities

AirBrick Infra, one of India’s fastest-growing AI-led commercial interior design and build firms, has announced a sales order target of Rs 1 billion for FY 2025–26. The projection represents a 50 per cent growth over the previous fiscal year and reflects rising demand, increased repeat business, and the company's robust tech-first delivery model.  Now in its third year of operations, AirBrick continues its rapid scale-up, having successfully delivered over 70 projects spanning 3 lakh sq ft in FY 2023–24. FY 2024–25 witnessed the onboarding of several Fortune 500 clients, sett..

Next Story
Resources

Virtusa Foundation Powers Green Education Drive in Bengaluru

The Virtusa Foundation, CSR arm of digital engineering and technology leader Virtusa Corporation, has announced key infrastructure and mobility initiatives at the Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli, Bengaluru. The launch marks the inauguration of a 16-room residential facility for lady teachers and the deployment of two solar-powered electric buses, underscoring Virtusa’s commitment to its core pillars of Education, Environment and Empowerment (3Es).  Located on the forest fringe near Bannerghatta National Park, the initiative supports tribal and underserved communities, complementi..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Godrej Enterprises Drives India’s Smart Green Logistics Shift

As India accelerates its transformation into a global manufacturing and logistics hub, Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG) is taking the lead with its smart, sustainable intralogistics solutions. Through its Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and Storage Solutions businesses, GEG is redefining operational efficiency in modern warehouses and factories using IoT, automation, and AI. GEG has consistently maintained a 20–25 per cent market share in the intralogistics sector over the past three years. Today, over 37 per cent of GEG’s revenues come from its Good & Green portfolio, and its net..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?