Zojila Tunnel Geographical and Environmental Challenges

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Infrastructure

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Zojila Tunnel
3. Geographical and Environmental Challenges
4. Significance of Zojila Tunnel

Why in the News?

The Zojila Tunnel, a 13 km-long tunnel connecting Sonamarg in Kashmir with Drass in Ladakh, has achieved a major construction milestone.

News in Brief

• The Zojila Tunnel is being built at an altitude of about 11,578 feet in the Himalayas.
• It is one of India’s most challenging infrastructure projects due to the difficult Himalayan terrain.
• Once completed, it will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, reducing travel disruptions caused by heavy snowfall and avalanches.

Zojila Tunnel

• Zojila Tunnel, a 13 km tunnel, will be India’s longest road tunnel, and is expected to be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel.
• It will provide perennial connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country.
• The tunnel provides all-weather connectivity and also cuts travel time between Kashmir and Ladakh.
• The project is strategically important for regional development and national security.
• The tunnel is built at a cost of more than rupees 6,500 crore.
• It is expected to be completed by 2028.

Geographical and Environmental Challenges

Extreme climatic conditions

• Temperatures can fall below -30 degrees Celsius.
• Low oxygen levels affects workers and machinery.
• Harsh winters bring frequent avalanches and snowstorms.

Unstable geological conditions

• Himalayan rocks vary significantly from one location to another, even differing meter to meter.
• Engineers may encounter loose rocks, large boulders, cracks and fault zones.
• Each rock type requires a different engineering approach.

Young Fold Mountains

• The Himalayas are geologically young and tectonically active.
• Continuous mountain-building processes create instability.
• High stress zones increase the risk of rockfalls and tunnel deformation.

Water Ingress

• Melting snow and underground water often enter the tunnel.
• Excess water pressure can cause flooding or structural damage if not managed properly.

Significance of Zojila Tunnel

Economic importance

• Promotes regional economic development.
• Improves the transportation of goods throughout the year.
• Boosts tourism in Kashmir and Ladakh.

Strategic importance

• Ensures uninterrupted connectivity to Ladakh.
• Enhances military logistics and border infrastructure.
• Strengthens national security in the northern region.

Social Importance

• Provides reliable access to healthcare, education, and essential services.
• Reduces isolation of remote communities during the winter months.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Zojila Pass

1. It connects the Kashmir Valley with the Ladakh region.
2. It remains open throughout the year.
3. Heavy snowfall and avalanches frequently disrupt transport across the pass.
4. The Zojila Tunnel is being constructed to overcome these seasonal disruptions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1,3 and 4 only

b) 1and 2 only

c) 2,3 and 4 only

d) 1,2,3 and 4

Answer: a) 1,3, and 4 only

Explanation: The pass is often closed during winter to cut travel due to heavy snowfall.

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