SRINAGAR, JANUARY 13: Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of the Zojila Tunnel.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer, the MEIL out of 13 kilometers length of the strategic tunnel has completed the excavation of 10.4 kms.
The Zojila tunnel, located amidst mountainous terrain on Srinagar-Leh National Highway, is set to become one of the longest and most crucial tunnels in the region.
Officials told KNO that the excavation is a major step towards completing the Zojila Tunnel. “MEIL’s success in overcoming the challenging terrain is a big achievement,” they added.
“We are proud to have reached this significant milestone. The Zojila Tunnel project will not only enhance connectivity but also contribute to the development and security of the region,” a senior official from Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd said.
Pertinently, MEIL is constructing the tunnel using the new Austrian tunneling method on completion, the tunnel will provide year-long connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, cutting the travel time from 3.5 hours on Zojila Pass to 45 minutes.
All weather connectivity will help in the financial and cultural development of Srinagar and Ladakh regions.
Meanwhile, the Z-Morh Tunnel, a 6.5-km that was inaugurated today, boasts a capacity to handle 1,100 vehicles per hour while incorporating cutting-edge safety, ventilation, and earthquake-resistant technologies. Built in the highly seismic
Ganderbal region, categorized as Zone-5, the tunnel is designed to withstand earthquakes of up to 8.0 or more on the Richter scale, ensuring structural integrity for the next 100 years, according to the construction company.
The project was completed in 49 months at a cost of Rs 2,378.76 crore, using 31.7 lakh bags of cement and 3,465 metric tonnes of iron rods. Over 1,623 workers contributed daily, clocking a total of 1.55 crore man-hours during peak construction.
The tunnel features 96 emergency exits, 16 water pumps, 52 jet fans, 4 exhaust fans, and two high-capacity axial fans, ensuring smooth ventilation and accident prevention. Military equipment and tanks can also traverse the tunnel without impacting road infrastructure. The Z-Morh Tunnel is poised to become a critical link for civilian and military transportation in the region. (KNO)