New Delhi, Feb 16: Transport Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon on Thursday said that Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved the construction of Zojila tunnel in Kashmir Valley to provide all season link to the twin districts of Kargil and Leh with other parts of the country.
Akhoon after attending high level meeting convened by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Dr C P Joshi, here said that foundation stone for construction of first phase 6-Km tunnel with a tentative cost of Rs 200 crore per km, from Gagangir to Sonamarg would be laid in August 2012. The Director General Roads would personally oversee the work till the commissioning of the tunnel, Akhoon informed.
He said the date for starting work on IInd phase from Baltal to Mainamerg shall be announced at the foundation laying ceremony.
He said that the Union Minister has set March 2012 as deadline for submitting Detailed Project Report (DPR). Akhoon also informed that the BEACON and other agencies looking after the road have been instructed by the Union Ministry to clear the snow in cooperation so that the only life line to Kargil and Leh is opened as early as possible.
Accordingly the authorities of VIJAK have been asked to look after this important highway up to Captain More from Kargil side, while BEACON will maintain the road up to Captain More from Sonamarg side.