Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) has been awarded the construction of the Zojila Pass Tunnel connecting Ladakh to Kashmir in the Himalaya Range.
The finance bid of the project was opened on Saturday by the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), in which MEIL had the lowest price as compared to other companies.
Project will be completed in two division within two sections
The project will be completed in two divisions within two sections of about 33 km. In this first section, 18.50 km of road has to be constructed. In the second section, two road-lane Zojila pass tunnel of 9.5 meters wide and 7.57 meters high will be constructed. The 14.15 km long tunnel will be built in the shape of a horseshoe.
Lowest bid by MEIL
MEIL placed the price of the entire project at Rs 4509.50 crore in the bid, while other companies paid much more than this. For this reason, the name of MEIL was on the top of the list of those who completed the project at a lower price.
"This complex project will have to be completed in 72 months"
MEIL director CH Subaiah said, "On the road to Zojila, a two-lane road with bi-directional traffic has to be built, which is called a single tube tunnel. The road consists mainly of shafts as well as portal structures and excavated areas. This complex project will have to be completed in 72 months only. ”
Two escape tunnels will also be formed between Baltal and Meenamarg.
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has decided to improve road travel facilities between Kashmir to Ladakh for all passengers. Along with this, two escape tunnels will be formed between Baltal and Meenamarg. This tunnel is also convenient for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. The Baltal base camp near Kargil will be used for the Amarnath Yatra.
The journey will be completed in 15 minutes
It is known that due to excessive snowfall, the Zojila Pass is closed for the movement of vehicles for six months of the year. Even after the road opens, it takes about three and a half hours to complete this path. The tunnel will be completed in just 15 minutes due to the tunnel being built between Sonamarg in Kashmir and Kargil of Ladakh. There will be movement of vehicles on both sides.
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