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The cabinet approved the construction of a 14.2km long tunnel in Zoji La, to provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Kashmir, while also giving a strategic edge to the armed forces in the region.

Details

The project, said to be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel, is estimated to cost Rs.6,809crore.

The region of Ladakh remains cut off from rest of the country due to heavy snowfall. This tunnel willnot only provide all-weather connectivity for the first time, but will also be of strategic value to the armed forces.

It can also help provide mitigation support in cases of avalanches and can help boost Ladakh’s economy by boosting its trade all year long. It would also help boost employment in the region.

This tunnel will also help shorten distances, thus improving trade and strategic efficiency.

This project, along with other ongoing projects like the 6.5km long Z-Morh tunnel at Gagangir, would ensure safer, faster and cheaper connectivity between the two regions of Ladakh and Kashmir.

Source: Indian Express, The Hindu