DC G’bal inspects work progress on Zojila, Z-Morh tunnel

Ganderbal: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Krittika Jyotsna Saturday visited the construction site of Z-Morh and Zojila tunnel at Sonamarg to have first-hand appraisal of the work progress made on the tunnel.
The DC during the visit was accompanied by Gurjeet Singh Kambo, Executive Director, NHIDCL, besides officials of MEIL and ASATPL.
During the visit, the DC inspected the ongoing work on the 40 Km project with 2 major tunnels of 6.5 KM and 14 KM for all weather connectivity to Sonamarg and Ladakh and was briefed about the pace and progress made on the project.
On the occasion it was informed that work progress on the project is in full swing and work on Z-morh escape tunnel is nearing completion.
Jyotsna directed the officials of the executing agency to expedite the pace of work on the ambitious project so that targets are achieved within the stipulated time frame. She also directed the concerned to closely monitor all the construction/planning activities.
Meanwhile, the DC also chaired a meeting with the officials of the executing agency during which certain administrative issues were discussed. She assured of all possible support besides handling of bottlenecks if any expeditiously by District administration.
The DC also enquired about the recruitment of local unemployed youth in the prestigious project and urged upon the concerned to provide maximum job opportunities to the locals as per the norms in Zojila tunnel works.
Earlier, a blasting ceremony was also carried out by the Deputy Commissioner at Z-Morh tunnel.
The 14 km long Zojila tunnel once completed will facilitate all weather road connectivity between Srinagar and Kargil which mainly remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall in the area and will reduce travel time also.
The tunnel will also benefit social and economic development of the region apart from boosting the tourism in Sonamarg region as well as Ladakh region.