Kargil, Oct 07: Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today visited Western Portal at Neelagarh-Baltal and Eastern Portal of Zojila Tunnel to assess the ongoing progress of the strategic project.
Team leader, Mohd Yousuf, RE Tunnels, Habibullah, Senior Manager of Zojila Tunnel Project, Syed Burhan and other members of Zojila Tunnel team accompanied the CEC during the visit.
During the visit, the CEC was briefed on the construction progress and informed that 4.6 km has been completed from the Eastern Portal and 5.151 km from the Western Portal, bringing the total completed length to 9.83 km out of the planned 13.15 km.
Expressing his satisfaction with the pace and machinery mode of the workers, Dr. Akhoon commended the efforts of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL), noting the dedication of all involved, from senior officers to on-ground workers.
The CEC expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh for their interest in making this long-standing dream of the people of Ladakh a reality.
He described the Zojila Tunnel as the “lifeline of Ladakh,” adding the transformative impact it will have, particularly for Kargil, by ensuring essential commodities and medical facilities are accessible round the year, even during harsh winters.
Dr. Akhoon further expressed hope that the project would see the linking of both portals by 2025, with emergency services, such as ambulance access, expected to begin soon.
He extended his appreciation to the NHIDCL and MEIL teams, saluting their hard work and dedication in executing this dream project.
