The document discusses two important tunnels - the Z-Morh Tunnel and the Zojila Tunnel - that are being constructed through the Zojila Pass in India to provide an all-weather road connecting Srinagar to Ladakh. The Z-Morh Tunnel is 6.5 km long and currently under construction, while the longer 13.8 km Zojila Tunnel is in the feasibility study stage. Once completed, these tunnels will reduce the journey time between Jammu and Ladakh from 40 to 24 hours and ensure year-round connectivity and economic development for the remote Ladakh region.

1. ALI JAFFAR
7TH Semester
Civil Engineering Deptt.
GCET JAMMU

2. Introduction
 The Zojila (also known as Zozila or Zoji) is one of the most
important passes in India. At an elevation of 11,575 ft (3,528m)
above sea level, the pass lies amid Leh in the Western Himalayan
Mountain Range and Srinagar on the National highway 1D

3. Extremely narrow ,this pass is one of the most dangerous passes
in this region, expecting vicious winds due to the funnel effect and
very heavy snowfall. The average snow buildup is approx. 15 to 30
meters . There are more than 60 dangerous avalanche sites on this
road.

4. From Sonamarg in Kashmir , the distance of Zojila pass is 9
km (5.6 mi) .The pass functions as a major link between
Ladakh and Kashmir. The Zojila pass ranks as the second
highest pass in India subsequent to Fotu La pass situated in the
same Highway.

5.  The pass usually stays closed during the winter months,
however the Border Road Organization (BRO) is operating to
boost traffic for the greater part of the year

6. The region is of great strategic importance to India. On the north and
north-east, the border is disputed with China and the two countries fought
a war in the region in 1962. To the north lies the Siachen Glacier region,
where the Indian and Pakistani armies face off, and the Kargil region,
which was subject to a Pakistani incursion in 1999.

7. The only other road into the region - the Leh- Manali
highway is open for just four-and-half months because the
road passes through the high Taglang La, Baralacha La and
Rohtang Pass, which also get snowed up for a long period.
This situation compels the army and the civil authorities
to spend the five months or so in which the road is open to
stock the Ladakh region with food and fuel for its bitter
winter.
Contd……

9. The All Weather Road
The proposed passage
through Zojila
comprises of two
tunnels
a. The Z- Morh tunnel.
b. The Zojila tunnel

11.  Z- Morh tunnel is the first of two tunnels that will ensure
connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh round the year.
 This 6.5 km long tunnel gets its name from its Z formation between
Sonamarg and Gagangir.
Z-Morh tunnel

12. The foundation stone laying
function of historical 6.5 km
long Z - Morh tunnel, costing
Rs 2700 crore, was held on
October 4, 2012 at the famous
Sonamarg resort.
The construction of first
phase of the tunnel with a
tentative cost of Rs 200 crore
per km begins from Sonamarg
to Gagangir near Drass.

13. Features..
This tunnel will ensure the passage of 1000
vehicles an hour at an approved maximum speed
of 80 km per hour.
The Border Road Organization (BRO) is
executing the project and it is expected to be
completed ahead of august 2018 deadline
 The carriageway width for tunnel will be 8
meters and the breadth of the escape tunnel will
be 3.5 meters.

14. Zojila tunnel
The second – The Zojila
Tunnel is about 13.8km
long and is just 20 km
away from the Z- Morh
This tunnel is estimated
to cost about Rs 5,500
crore and is likely to be
approved by the Union
government soon.

15. The contract of conducting feasibility studies
for Zojila Tunnel has been allotted to M/s iBilt
Technologies New Delhi on 29 Apr 09 at
a cost of Rs. 29.985 crore. A period of one
and half year had been allowed in bid for
feasibility study and submission of feasibility
report.
The foundation of this tunnel is likely to be laid
in April 2014
This tunnel is expected to be completed by
2022-2023

16. Gallery

17. Tunnel of Hope
 Taking into consideration the reality that by the end of April,
majority of provisions in Ladakh diminish to sustainable
phases, this opening will turn out to be a blessing to all people
in Ladakh.
 Supporting these two tunnels the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-
Qasigund tunnels, which are under construction to ensure
connectivity with the valley and Jammu and the rest of the
country
 Once all four tunnels are put in place , the journey from Jammu
to Ladakh will be reduced from 40 to 24 hours.
 Besides strategically helping the security forces stationed in
Ladakh, it will raise the quality of life and the pace of
development of the entire region, including Leh and Kargil

19. Contd….
During summers, the locals as well as the administration
focus their efforts on stocking the basic amenities for the
winters — thus other crucial development issues
continue to be ignored.
Tourism contributes greatly to the economy of Kargil's
neighboring district Leh; however, here the tourism
industry is dependent on the Srinagar-Leh highway
Despite having a huge potential for winter sports, Kargil
suffers due to the six-month inaccessibility. Its greatest
asset is at the same time its biggest drawback!

20. Conclusion
It is impossible to imagine the difficulties faced
by the people in these remote regions in the
severe weather conditions unless one practically
faces these on the ground. Thus, there is utmost
urgency to take immediate measures to relieve
the sufferings of Ladakhis in winter. Choice is
with the Government. Expedite the Tunnel and
open up the routes!