The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced a mega project which will be one of singular uniqueness in South Asia. It is of tunneling the 14.8 kms long hole at Zoji La in Jammu and Kashmir that will link Ladakh region with the rest of the country round the year. Zoji La Pass is at a height of 11,578 feet above sea level and remains snow bound for half of the year thus cutting off the largest region in India, namely Ladakh, from the rest of the country. The project has gone to a leading firm in the country called IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd, one of the largest BOT road developers in India. The project is expected to be completed at a cost of 10,050 crore rupees.
Zoji La first came into prominence way back in early 1948, when late General Thimayya, at that time Commander of 19 Division and later on C-in-C, ordered the movement of tanks up the Zoji La hill, indeed a stupendous expedition. He took the enemy by surprise and pushed it back from Machoi, Drass and Kargil till Ladakh was taken. Ever since, Zoji La has remained one of the most strategic points of defence of our northern border.
Importance of Ladakh to the security of India’s northern borders remains undisputed. That is the reason why Modi Government has focused its attention on Ladakh and the Government is now meeting the pre-requisites that would ensure security of Ladakh border against two adversaries. The tunnel at Zoji La will keep Leh connected to the rest of the country round the year. Apart from security considerations, the economic aspect of the link is in no way to be underestimated. The round the year road link will go a long way in boosting the economy of the entire region of Ladakh and Kargil. It will modernize life in this unique region and immensely improve tourist industry.
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