Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 29: Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Nawang Rigzin Jora today said that Zojila Tunnel sanctioned by the Union Cabinet would usher in a new era of development and prosperity in entire Ladakh region by providing round the year road connectivity.
In a statement, Mr Jora said that Rs 9090 crore project foresees construction of an all weather road to ensure uninterrupted round-the-year connectivity between Ladakh and Srinagar.
The tunnel project involves construction of a two-lane and bi-directional tunnel with an escape route. The project will be constructed on annuity mode where Government will pay back the private developer’s investment in installments once the stretch becomes operation. The contract for collecting toll will be for 15 years.
Mr Jora has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for sanctioning this project, which will usher in a new era of development and prosperity in the entire Ladakh region.