2 weeks ago
Engineers Build Zojila Tunnel Through Himalayas’ Toughest Terrain
Engineers are building a 13-kilometre tunnel through the difficult Himalayan terrain at Zojila.
The tunnel is meant to connect Kashmir and Ladakh more reliably throughout the year.
Zojila Pass is usually closed by snow for several months in winter.
This can make it hard for people to get medicine, food, fuel and education.
Workers face freezing temperatures, heavy snow, falling rocks, water and changing ground conditions.
One worker died when part of the tunnel collapsed during construction.
Engineers are digging from both ends and supporting the rock as they go.
They are also treating water and managing waste to reduce environmental harm.
Project head Harpal Singh says the tunnel is being built not only as infrastructure but as a lasting contribution to the region.
The 13-kilometre Zojila Tunnel is being built to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
Project head Harpal Singh says work faces rapidly changing geology, seismic risks, extreme cold and water seepage.
Construction is progressing from two fronts using drilling, blasting and the New Austrian Tunnelling Method.
A worker died after a tunnel section collapsed during excavation, highlighting the project’s dangers.
A breakthrough was achieved on June 9, while environmental measures include treating tunnel water and managing construction waste.
- Who
- Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd, led on site by project head and General Manager Harpal Singh, along with engineers and workers from across India.
- What
- Construction of the 13-kilometre Zojila Tunnel, including a breakthrough achieved on June 9.
- Where
- At Zojila Pass in the Himalayas, between the Kashmir side and Ladakh, with work extending toward areas including Sonamarg, Dras and Kargil.
- When
- The article does not specify the year; a breakthrough was achieved on June 9, and construction has continued through severe winters.
- Why
- To provide more reliable, all-weather connectivity to Ladakh and reduce the region’s dependence on seasonal roads and air transport.
Key facts
- Tunnel length
- 13 kilometres
- Construction company
- Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd
- Construction method
- Drilling and blasting using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)
- Work fronts
- Two fronts: one from the Kashmir side and one from Ladakh
- Winter conditions
- Temperatures can fall to minus 30 degrees Celsius, with heavy snowfall and frozen pipelines
- Seasonal closure
- Zojila Pass has historically closed for three to five months; the period has reportedly reduced to two to three months
- Environmental measures
- Treating tunnel water, using designated dumping and processing areas, monitoring pollution, and assessing air, water and noise levels
Quotes
Harpal Singh
Project head and general manager at Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd.
“You cannot motivate people to work at 11,000 feet with just salary. You need purpose.”
deccanchronicle.com
“You are not building a tunnel, you are building history.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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