Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 10: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today chaired a meeting to review pace and progress made on Z- Morh and Zojila tunnels connecting Kashmir with the Ladakh region.
At the outset, Executive Director, NHIDCL, gave a detailed Power Point Presentation (PPP) of Z-Morh tunnel, construction of approach roads, lanes, protective walls, drains besides the road and other projects.
The chair was informed that the work process was going on in full swing and against 169 meters target 216 meters were achieved instead in the month of July.
Div Com directed concerned to arrange cent percent manpower arrangement and install all machinery and equipment within 15 days period to expedite the work process.
He instructed concerned to mobilize the manpower before August- 20 and establish level-2 quarantine facility to facilitate them better medical treatment in case any employee contracts COVID-19 infection.
The meeting was informed that the deadline for the tunnel is December-21, 2023 however, a bonus up to Rs 400 crores shall be provided to the concerned agency if the project is completed before it’s set deadline.
It was further informed that 14.083 km long Zojila tunnel is constructed to facilitate all weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh.
The meeting also deliberated over various other projects to be taken up by NHIDCL.
The Div Com emphasized on early clearance of pending liabilities of vendors, workers, hoteliers, shopkeepers and instructed that the concerned committee shall look into the issue and address it on priority.
He also directed concerned to identify alternate sites for the dumping purpose instead of the earlier one which is close to the stream besides instructed on early identification of sites for the helipad.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Executive Director, NHIDCL, Anand Pahal, General Manager Project, Praveen Ahlawal and others concerned.