Infrastructure major MEIL to construct prestigious Zojilla pass tunnel in J&K-Ladakh

Aug 21, 2020

New Delhi: Hyderabda based  MEIL (Megha Engineering and Infrastructure limited) MEIL has bagged the project for constructing the most prestigious Zojilla pass tunnel in Jammu Kashmir-Ladakh in Himalayan region.

The company was the lowest biddder in the National Highways and Industrial Development Corporation (NHIDCL) tenders that opened  on Friday. It came forward to execute this work for Rs. 4509.50 crores, whereas the other companies quoted at a higher amount.

The project is to be constructed in 2 divisions in two sections of about 33 kilometres. The first section is to develop by constructing the 18.50-kilometre road.

In the second section, the Zojilla Tunnel is to be built in the shape of a horseshoe shape of 14.15 km as a two-road lane of 9.5 meters wide and 7.57 meters high. This project will have to carry out innovatively in the most critical conditions.

The tenders called for the construction of 14.15 km of road for the Zojilla tunnel. MEIL has come forward to execute this work for Rs.4509.50 crores, whereas the other companies quoted at a higher amount.

The road from Srinagar to Leh in Ladakh is not suitable for vehicular traffic throughout the year. The Srinagar-Ladakh highway is completely closed for six months, especially during the winter season. Even the military vehicles are unable to move under these conditions.

Travelling long distances on alternate routes has become a costly affair and a waste of time. Under these circumstances, the road tunnel was proposed between Sonamarg to Leh and Ladakh via Kargil long back.

Finally, the project has been initiated. The project will be constructed from the Z-Morh tunnel to Zojilla tunnel between Sonamarg-Kargil on national highway-1 in the Zojilla pass area. This EPC project is the most complex one.

The construction of this tunnel is going to face unprecedented difficulties. The tunnel has to built at 700 meters below the surface on average. The project is also in the most complex hill terrain and snowstorms often occurring. As the dense snow for at least eight months in a year, the execution works will not be an easy task. At the same time, a river flowing adjacent to the proposed project site. These conditions are going to create severe problems with water and ice will pour during the construction.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has decided to improve the road travel facilities to all commuters between Kashmir to Ladakh. As part of this plan, a highway tunnel will also construct from Srinagar to Baltal. This tunnel road is also convenient to Amaranth Yatra pilgrims. Baltal base camp near Kargil will be used for Amarnath yatra.

Mr Ch. Subbaiah, Director, MEIL said that “A two-lane road with bi-directional traffic would have to construct on the Zojilla route, which called a Single Tube tunnel. The road consists mainly of shafts as well as portal structures and excavated areas. This complex project would have to complete in just 72 months.”