New Delhi: Zojila Pass a high mountain pass in the Kargil district connecting Ladakh with the rest of India owing to the efforts by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been reopened in just 33 days. The pass is located on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway and remains closed for extended periods of time due to heavy snowfall during winter.
The BRO has been working continuously working on improving the techniques to reduce the closure time. The reopening was carried out through a joint effort of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15 and 14 Corps of the Indian Army and officials from Project Vijayak.
Significance of Zoji La Pass for Ladakh’s economy and security
The second highest pass after Fotu La, it is crucial for the movement of civilians, security forces and supply of essential commodities. The early reopening of the pass, would ensure seamless transportation and boost economic activities in the region for more period of time.
“The timely clearance of the pass exhibits the commitment of the organisation to establishing all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. It would relieve the local residents, military personnel and traders working in the region,” said the officials.
Zoji La Tunnel project: A game changer for all-season connectivity
In January 2018, the government approved the Zoji-La Tunnel project which would ensure all-season connectivity and reduce the travel time to just 15 minutes from over 3 hours. The under-construction 14 km long tunnel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2018. The project which is slated to be completed by September 2026, will become the longest bidirectional tunnel in Asia.
