Updated By: LatestGKGS Desk
NHIDCL and IL&FS MoU for Zojila Pass Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir
National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) and IL&FS signed a MoU to construct the Zojila Pass Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IL&FS Transportation Networks Limited on 24th January 2018.
A MoU was signed with an objective to construct the Zojila Pass Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh.
Earlier, The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi had approved the construction of Zojila Tunnel project, with a total capital cost of Rs 6808.69 crore on 3rd January 2018.
Zojila Tunnel project aims to construct 14.150 km long 2 lanes bi-directional single tube tunnel with a parallel 14.200 km long passing tunnel between Baltal and Minamarg in the state of J&K.
Zojila Tunnel project in J&K expectantly leads to the socio-economic and cultural integration of these regions ensuring safe, fast and cheap connectivity.
Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, has also proposed IL&FS to consider the possibility of laying a rail alignment in the tunnel.
Zojila Tunnel would be India’s longest road tunnel and the longest 2 lanes bi-directional tunnel in Asia and is expected to build in seven years.
