The Indian Ministry of Defence is considering the idea of having a tunnel at the Zojila Pass on the 475km Srinagar-Leh road. The pass is a vital link between the Kashmir valley and Ladakh in the far north of the country.
The pass, at 11,500ft (3505m), connects Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley with Drass and is crucial for maintaining supplies for the forces stationed all along the Line of Control and also the civilian population of Ladakh. The pass remains snow-bound for more than five months in a year.
Defence Minister AK Antony told Indian Parliament this week that a feasibility study was on to have a tunnel at the Zojila Pass. He added that a consultancy contract had been awarded and a time frame of 18 months given to the consultant.
The Srinagar-Leh route allows easier operations as compared with the Manali-Leh highway that has three passes – Rohtang, Baralacha and Tanglang-La – which are at a greater height than the Zojila and remain snow-bound for a longer period.
