Zojila - Daily Headlines Today

DC Ganderbal Inspects Zojila Road for Immediate Safety Measures

HT Online Editor — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:43:54 +0530

SRINAGAR: Following the fatal road accident along the Zojila stretch, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shyambir, conducted a thorough inspection of the Zojila pass, today.

Accompanied by SDM Kangan, Javaid Ahmad Rather, ARTO Ganderbal, Tehsildar Gund, SDPO Kangan, and OC BEACON, the DC conducted a visit to evaluate the road conditions and assess immediate safety measures to prevent future mishaps.

During the visit, the DC inspected vulnerable spots on the Zojila road stretch and issued instructions to BEACON authorities to implement necessary safety measures promptly.

The authorities briefed the DC on the immediate safety measures already taken, including erecting Hesco barriers with reflecting tapes, signages, reflecting mirrors, etc. The ongoing project for long-term measures, such as retaining walls and permanent crash barriers, is slated for completion in the next year.

Expressing grief over recent tragic road accidents on Zojila pass, the DC directed the concerned authorities to ensure effective safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

A discussion was held on cutoff timing from Sonamarg upward and Minimarg downward, with a decision made to restrict tourist vehicles beyond Sonamarg starting tomorrow.

To enhance road safety, the DC directed BEACON authorities to conduct thorough trail runs before allowing traffic towards Zojila pass. He directed for displaying Speed limits prominently at key locations.

Meanwhile, The DC appealed to all commuters to strictly adhere to road safety measures, avoiding rash driving on Zojila pass.

The DC emphasized the importance of immediate action to secure Zojila road, ensuring the safety of commuters and preventing further tragic incidents.

OC BEACON assured implementing both short-term and long-term safety measures to safeguard lives on this critical stretch of road.

Four Kerala Tourists Among Five Die in Road Accident in Kashmir

HT Online Editor — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:47 +0530

SRINAGAR: Police said the accident took place at about 3:30pm near Yaudoo Modh at Zojila when a Sumo vehicle bearing registration number JK04C 5801 on way from Kargil towards Srinagar skidded off the road and felt into a deep gorge along the Srinagar- Leh highway resulting in the death of four tourists and the driver.

"Apparently the driver lost control in a sharp turn due to over speed and slippery road," they said

The four dead tourists have been identified as Anil R, 33; Sudheesh Kumar, 33; Vignesh S, 24 and 28-year-old Rahul K - all residents of district Nedungode Chittur Pallackad in Kerala. The driver of the vehicle identified as Ajaz Ahmed Awan, a resident of Kangan Ganderbal also died in the accident.

The three injured tourists from Kerala were identified as Manoj M, Rajesh K and Arun K. The condition of Manoj, who is admitted at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science in Srinagar is stated to be critical.

Soon after the accident senior police and security officers rushed to the spot. (UNI)

Two Vehicles Hit by Avalanche, Roll Down the Zojila Pass

HT Online Editor — Mon, 08 May 2023 17:24:53 +0530

SRINAGAR: Two vehicles skidded off the road and rolled down the cliff after a snow avalanche came barreling down on the Srinagar-Kargil highway at Zojila Pass, Police said.
The incident occurred near Panimatha Captain Mode at Zojil Pass.
The ill-fated vehicles were on their way to Kargil from Srinagar.
Station House Officer, Police Station Sonmarg, Fayaz Ahmed told news agency Kashmir News Trust that a passenger vehicle (Xylo) and a Camper rolled down after a snow avalanche hit them near Panimatha area on Zojila Pass.

“Rescue teams including a police party rushed to the spot and retrieved the passengers, however, vehicles could not be retrieved due to the inclement weather,” he said adding that it is still snowing on Zojail Pass.

The police officer further informed that after the incident, the Srinagar-Kargil highway has been closed to traffic.

“We turned back all the vehicles that were heading for Kargil from Sonmarg,” he added. (KNT)

Nitin Gadkari, LG Manoj Sinha Alongside MPs Inspect Zojila Tunnel

HT Online Editor — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:18:04 +0530

SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday inspected Zojila Tunnel – Asia's longest tunnel to establish all weather connectivity for Ladakh – alongside Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and members of Parliament of Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Road Transport and Highways.

The construction of 13.14 km long Zojila tunnel and approach road is coming up at a cost of Rs 6800 crore. It is a 7.57 m high horseshoe-shaped single-tube, 2-lane tunnel, which will pass under the Zojila Pass in the Himalayas between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Drass town in Kargil district of Ladakh.

The project, as per GNS, includes a Smart Tunnel (SCADA) system, which has been constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method. It is equipped with facilities like CCTV, radio control, uninterrupted power supply and ventilation. The use of modern technology in this project has saved the Government of India more than 5000 crore rupees.

Under the Zojila Tunnel project,the main Zojila tunnel of 13,153 meters with 4 culverts of total length of 810 meters, 4 Nilgrar tunnels of total length of 4,821 meters, 8 cut and covers of total length of 2,350 meters and three 500 meters, 391 meters and 220 meters of vertical ventilation shaft are proposed. So far 28% work of Zojila Tunnel has been completed.

With the construction of this tunnel, there will be all-weather connectivity for Ladakh. Currently the average travel time to cross the Zojila Pass sometimes takes three hours, after the completion of this tunnel the travel time will come down to 20 minutes. The reduction in travel time will ultimately result in fuel savings.

The terrain near Zojila Pass is extremely inhospitable, with many fatal accidents taking place here every year. After the completion of Zojila Tunnel, the chances of accidents will be zero. This tunnel will provide year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, which will be extremely important for the development of Ladakh, promotion of tourism, free movement of local goods and movement of Indian armed forces in case of emergency.

Notably, 19 tunnels are being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir at a cost of Rs 25000 crore. (GNS)

Strategic Sgr-Leh Highway Thrown Open For Traffic In Record 68 Days

HT Online Editor — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:26:10 +0530

Have been breaking our own records since past 3 years; will ensure to make road through in just 60 days; Road will help save Rs 7 Cr a day; shifting defence equipment, troops to Ladakh by air costs huge amount: DG BRO Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhary SRINAGAR: The strategic 434 km long Srinagar-Leh highway was thrown open by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in a record 68 days, officials said Thursday. As per official reports, Director General Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Lt General Rajeev Chaudhary, believes that it is always a toughest challenge to throw open Zojila pass. “It was due to the hardwork of BRO officials and men that we were able to throw the pass open in a record number of 68 days. For the past three years, we have been breaking our own records,” he said, adding that first the road was thrown open in 110 days, then in 78 days and now in just 68 days. “Our efforts will be make the road through in just 60 days (two months),” he said. “BRO officials and men are fully acclimatized and familiar with the area. No equipment was damaged during the road opening process.” He said the locals who work with the BRO are being provided with adequate wages, shelter and food besides warm clothes. “Some people are with us since 25 years. We are like a family,” the DG BRO said. He further added that early opening of this road helps save RS 7 Crore a day for the government. “This road helps to send defense equipment including guns, bullets and tanks besides troops to Ladakh. Similarly, the early road opening helps give an economic push to the Ladakh region that remain cut-off from the rest of the world for six months,” the DG said, adding that “people of Ladakh can come to Srinagar through this road and carry out their economic activities. (KNO)