A severe Cold wave has hit the region of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh bringing the temperatures across the division to below freezing point. Srinagar city recorded the season's coldest night with minimum settling at minus 4.1 degrees Celsius.

South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division. The Larnoo area in the region recorded the lowest temperature in Kashmir Valley at minus 7 degrees. The tourist resort Pahalgam observed a&nbsp;minimum temperature of minus 6.5 degrees while the Shopian district saw the temperature settle at&nbsp;6.6 degrees Celsius. The World-Famous Ski resort in North Kashmir's Baramulla district recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6 degrees.&nbsp;

The tourist resort Sonamarg also recorded the season's minimum at minus 6.2 degrees. Pulwama saw&nbsp; the minimum temperature settle at&nbsp;minus 6.3 degrees. Bandipora was at minus 4.6, while&nbsp;Baramulla recorded&nbsp;a minimum of minus 3.3 degrees.&nbsp;

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The temperature recorded at Nyoma Village in Ladakh dropped to below minus 16.7 degrees. While the Dras area recorded the temperature at minus 14.8 degrees, the Leh town recorded the season's lowest at minus 10.4 degrees. The Zojila which connects Ladakh region to Jammu and Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature at minus 18 degrees.&nbsp;

The MeT Department of Kashmir Valley has attributed the weather condition in the region to the&nbsp;La Nina effect which means cooler than average sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific. This weather change mostly impacts the wind circulation patterns leading to more rains and snow. The MeT department has predicted the winter period to&nbsp;prolong and&nbsp;be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as rain&nbsp;and snow. As we head towards the 'Chillai Kalan, which is the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21, the La Nina effect will multiply the impact of cold and precipitation in the Valley.&nbsp;

The Met Department has predicted generally dry weather from December 6 to December 7. There are chances of snow from December 8 to December 9. There will be some respite from the cold wave conditions December 15&nbsp;onwards as rain&nbsp;and snow are predicted.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A severe Cold wave has hit the region of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh bringing the temperatures across the division to below freezing point. Srinagar city recorded the season's coldest night with minimum settling at minus 4.

A severe Cold wave has hit the region of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh bringing the temperatures across the division to below freezing point. Srinagar city recorded the season's coldest night with minimum settling at minus 4.1 degrees Celsius. South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division. The Larnoo area in the region recorded the lowest temperature in Kashmir Valley at minus 7 degrees. The tourist resort Pahalgam observed a minimum temperature of minus 6.5 degrees while the Shopian district saw the temperature settle at 6.6 degrees Celsius. The World-Famous Ski resort in North Kashmir's Baramulla district recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6 degrees. The tourist resort Sonamarg also recorded the season's minimum at minus 6.2 degrees. Pulwama saw the minimum temperature settle at minus 6.3 degrees. Bandipora was at minus 4.6, while Baramulla recorded a minimum of minus 3.3 degrees. Watch | AI Weather Forecaster Beats World-Class System × The temperature recorded at Nyoma Village in Ladakh dropped to below minus 16.7 degrees. While the Dras area recorded the temperature at minus 14.8 degrees, the Leh town recorded the season's lowest at minus 10.4 degrees. The Zojila which connects Ladakh region to Jammu and Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature at minus 18 degrees. The MeT Department of Kashmir Valley has attributed the weather condition in the region to the La Nina effect which means cooler than average sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific. This weather change mostly impacts the wind circulation patterns leading to more rains and snow. The MeT department has predicted the winter period to prolong and be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as rain and snow. As we head towards the 'Chillai Kalan, which is the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21, the La Nina effect will multiply the impact of cold and precipitation in the Valley. The Met Department has predicted generally dry weather from December 6 to December 7. There are chances of snow from December 8 to December 9. There will be some respite from the cold wave conditions December 15 onwards as rain and snow are predicted.

Cold wave conditions grip J&K, Ladakh. Srinagar observes freezing temperature of minus 4.1

Zojila Tunnel is all set to revolutionise connectivity to Ladakh. Zojila Tunnel is likely to be thrown open for armed forces from next year. On Inside South Asia we look at different engineering wonders that have boosted the transport sector of India.

From Zojila to Atal: Inside India's longest tunnels | Inside South Asia

Over 40% of the drilling has been finished, according to the construction company, and work is progressing quickly on the crucial Zojila tunnel, an all-weather link between the Ladakh region and the Kashmir valley. The business expressed optimism that the project will be finished by December 2026.

India's longest and highest tunnel Zojila to boost Ladakh's connectivity

The developmental efforts initiated by Indian government in Jammu and Kashmir are a welcome measure for the state as well as for the country. These have been preceded by controversial measures of amnesty to stone pelters, and declaration of Non-Initiation of Combat Operations or NICO.

The details of the developmental activities have been covered in detail by all segments of the media in last two days, and these measures will have long term positive effects, more so in Ladakh and Jammu region. But the question whether it will bring peace in Kashmir valley, or otherwise, needs a dispassionate analysis beyond the optics and announcements.

What message does development initiatives convey

Development is a necessity to physically and mentally connect with people in far flung areas and demonstration of India's will to reach out to them. Initiatives like the Zojila tunnel, besides improving connectivity and ease of travel from Kashmir valley to Ladakh, indicate the effort to lift the mental barrier of isolation for people on both sides of Zojila pass. Other projects like ring roads around Srinagar and Jammu will definitely ease the traffic congestion of both cities, and the two power projects on Kishenganga and Pakal Dul will address the needs of the state besides creating surplus power to be put on national grid.

The social messaging of these projects indicates the Indian will of closer social inclusion of people of Jammu and Kashmir. Also, while Prime Minister's decision to attend the closing ceremony of birth centenary of Rinpoche in Leh amused the Buddhist population, the gesture of declaring suspension of combat operations by security forces, and Tarakote Marg and ropeway of Mata Vaishnodevi shrine was welcomed by almost everyone. In a nutshell, the social packaging covers every segment of society of Jammu and Kashmir, and an investment of approximately Rs 25,000 crore will help in changing their economic landscape and connectivity may help in boosting tourism.

Embracing the people of Kashmir: Risk analysis

The recent initiatives aimed to embrace people of Kashmir are noble, but high-risk ideas with rare chance of success. The idea of amnesty to stone pelters has failed, and given a new dimension to the terrorist actions through stone pelting, wherein almost similar damage can be caused to security forces or civilians, with reasonable expectation that they will be left lightly, even if apprehended.

The ideas like ceasefire and declaration of NICO were tried earlier in the year 2000, but failed. The present declaration although is a slightly improved version of the old one, wherein security forces' deployment and intelligence grid is not being disturbed. But they can take retaliatory action, only if militants fire at them. The fact that declaration was rejected by terrorist groups, who intend continuing their actions during the holy month of Ramzan, as well as separatist groups enjoying state protection, means that it is waiting to fail. Let me analyse the possibilities under the present model of NICO:

<ul>
	<li>The announcement by Kashmiri politicians that the people can peacefully sleep is a misconception, because the militants, especially the foreign ones cause innumerable atrocities on innocent people of Kashmir, but no one lodges complaint/FIR against them, as they know that the entire family will be wiped out. Abu Dujana is a case in point. It is unfortunate that not many politicians of Kashmir criticise or highlight their atrocities, which gives an impression that either they are terrorised or sold out to the adversary propagating proxy war.</li>
	<li>The announcement only restricts security forces, which is demeaning and misplaced, because security forces are not there by choice, but are performing their duty for the nation.</li>
	<li>Under present model of NICO, the militants can move freely, kill some informers and terrorise the rest. The incidents of killing one civilian, looting of bank, and snatching weapons are minor incidents, but can be an indication of testing the waters, as they know that security forces cannot do anything till they actually fire at them.</li>
	<li>Terrorists are free to extort, launder money and muster enough funds for subsequent operations.</li>
	<li>They can carry out recruitment of young boys into their outfit by luring them or terrorising their parents.</li>
	<li>NICO has no connection with the firing from across the border, hence border villages will continue to remain under threat.</li>
	<li>There is no guarantee that militants will behave during Amarnath Yatra with this political overreach, hence all precautions will have to be taken.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Is the prescription suiting the ailment?

The development in Jammu and Kashmir, like any other state, is an encouraging step and will definitely ease lives of our people. But the fact is that the per capita GDP of Kashmir is higher than many states. There are many states in India, which are less developed but have not resorted to firing guns or stone pelting. This indicates that the ailment of Kashmir is not limited to poor infrastructure. The problem of Kashmir has external and internal dimensions, which have to be dealt with together, as they are closely interwoven.

In external dimension, the Pakistan army and ISI are the main players. Their influence and relevance is due to 'Indian threat' and a 'Boiling Kashmir valley', hence a peaceful Kashmir does not suit them. With radicalisation and Wahhabism on the rise, Pakistan has witnessed a change in psyche and ideology. Kashmir remains an obvious target to avenge 1971.

The internal dimension is the perception that separatists are involved in arranging funds and organising protests against the Indian establishment. While the development of Kashmir will reduce the numbers of unemployed youth, the glamour of quick money with minimum efforts and belief in concocted radicalised narrative would need some more efforts.

What should India do?

As the problem has persisted for so many decades, there are no easy answers. As an Indian analyst, let me attempt to suggest some:

<ul>
	<li>Internally, the decision makers need to have an honest intention to resolve it. The allurement of vote bank politics has to be subordinated to national interest.</li>
	<li>War with Pakistan is not a worthwhile economical option, but India can look at covert options against militants.</li>
	<li>While India expects the entire world to declare Pakistan a terror state, it has not yet scrapped the 'Most Favored Nation' status accorded to its neighbour.</li>
	<li>India should also take up the issue of Baluchistan in all world forums.</li>
</ul>

The development of Jammu and Kashmir and embracing of Kashmiri population is a welcome step on India's part. But amnesty to stone pelters and announcement of NICO (rejected by terrorists and separatists) is marred with danger. Some strategists will read it as a message of peace to Kashmir and the international community, while others may call it as a message of a weak state, running out of options. This will invite criticism, should this initiative fail. Protection and mercy on separatists needs to be stopped if the decision makers are really interested in having peace in Kashmir.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The recent initiatives aimed to embrace people of Kashmir are noble, but high-risk ideas with rare chance of success.

The developmental efforts initiated by Indian government in Jammu and Kashmir are a welcome measure for the state as well as for the country. These have been preceded by controversial measures of amnesty to stone pelters, and declaration of Non-Initiation of Combat Operations or NICO. The details of the developmental activities have been covered in detail by all segments of the media in last two days, and these measures will have long term positive effects, more so in Ladakh and Jammu region. But the question whether it will bring peace in Kashmir valley, or otherwise, needs a dispassionate analysis beyond the optics and announcements. What message does development initiatives convey Development is a necessity to physically and mentally connect with people in far flung areas and demonstration of India's will to reach out to them. Initiatives like the Zojila tunnel, besides improving connectivity and ease of travel from Kashmir valley to Ladakh, indicate the effort to lift the mental barrier of isolation for people on both sides of Zojila pass. Other projects like ring roads around Srinagar and Jammu will definitely ease the traffic congestion of both cities, and the two power projects on Kishenganga and Pakal Dul will address the needs of the state besides creating surplus power to be put on national grid. The social messaging of these projects indicates the Indian will of closer social inclusion of people of Jammu and Kashmir. Also, while Prime Minister's decision to attend the closing ceremony of birth centenary of Rinpoche in Leh amused the Buddhist population, the gesture of declaring suspension of combat operations by security forces, and Tarakote Marg and ropeway of Mata Vaishnodevi shrine was welcomed by almost everyone. In a nutshell, the social packaging covers every segment of society of Jammu and Kashmir, and an investment of approximately Rs 25,000 crore will help in changing their economic landscape and connectivity may help in boosting tourism. Embracing the people of Kashmir: Risk analysis The recent initiatives aimed to embrace people of Kashmir are noble, but high-risk ideas with rare chance of success. The idea of amnesty to stone pelters has failed, and given a new dimension to the terrorist actions through stone pelting, wherein almost similar damage can be caused to security forces or civilians, with reasonable expectation that they will be left lightly, even if apprehended. The ideas like ceasefire and declaration of NICO were tried earlier in the year 2000, but failed. The present declaration although is a slightly improved version of the old one, wherein security forces' deployment and intelligence grid is not being disturbed. But they can take retaliatory action, only if militants fire at them. The fact that declaration was rejected by terrorist groups, who intend continuing their actions during the holy month of Ramzan, as well as separatist groups enjoying state protection, means that it is waiting to fail. Let me analyse the possibilities under the present model of NICO: The announcement by Kashmiri politicians that the people can peacefully sleep is a misconception, because the militants, especially the foreign ones cause innumerable atrocities on innocent people of Kashmir, but no one lodges complaint/FIR against them, as they know that the entire family will be wiped out. Abu Dujana is a case in point. It is unfortunate that not many politicians of Kashmir criticise or highlight their atrocities, which gives an impression that either they are terrorised or sold out to the adversary propagating proxy war. The announcement only restricts security forces, which is demeaning and misplaced, because security forces are not there by choice, but are performing their duty for the nation. Under present model of NICO, the militants can move freely, kill some informers and terrorise the rest. The incidents of killing one civilian, looting of bank, and snatching weapons are minor incidents, but can be an indication of testing the waters, as they know that security forces cannot do anything till they actually fire at them. Terrorists are free to extort, launder money and muster enough funds for subsequent operations. They can carry out recruitment of young boys into their outfit by luring them or terrorising their parents. NICO has no connection with the firing from across the border, hence border villages will continue to remain under threat. There is no guarantee that militants will behave during Amarnath Yatra with this political overreach, hence all precautions will have to be taken. Is the prescription suiting the ailment? The development in Jammu and Kashmir, like any other state, is an encouraging step and will definitely ease lives of our people. But the fact is that the per capita GDP of Kashmir is higher than many states. There are many states in India, which are less developed but have not resorted to firing guns or stone pelting. This indicates that the ailment of Kashmir is not limited to poor infrastructure. The problem of Kashmir has external and internal dimensions, which have to be dealt with together, as they are closely interwoven. In external dimension, the Pakistan army and ISI are the main players. Their influence and relevance is due to 'Indian threat' and a 'Boiling Kashmir valley', hence a peaceful Kashmir does not suit them. With radicalisation and Wahhabism on the rise, Pakistan has witnessed a change in psyche and ideology. Kashmir remains an obvious target to avenge 1971. The internal dimension is the perception that separatists are involved in arranging funds and organising protests against the Indian establishment. While the development of Kashmir will reduce the numbers of unemployed youth, the glamour of quick money with minimum efforts and belief in concocted radicalised narrative would need some more efforts. What should India do? As the problem has persisted for so many decades, there are no easy answers. As an Indian analyst, let me attempt to suggest some: Internally, the decision makers need to have an honest intention to resolve it. The allurement of vote bank politics has to be subordinated to national interest. War with Pakistan is not a worthwhile economical option, but India can look at covert options against militants. While India expects the entire world to declare Pakistan a terror state, it has not yet scrapped the 'Most Favored Nation' status accorded to its neighbour. India should also take up the issue of Baluchistan in all world forums. The development of Jammu and Kashmir and embracing of Kashmiri population is a welcome step on India's part. But amnesty to stone pelters and announcement of NICO (rejected by terrorists and separatists) is marred with danger. Some strategists will read it as a message of peace to Kashmir and the international community, while others may call it as a message of a weak state, running out of options. This will invite criticism, should this initiative fail. Protection and mercy on separatists needs to be stopped if the decision makers are really interested in having peace in Kashmir. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: With Kashmir ceasefire, India walks a fine line

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Leh on Saturday morning on his day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the first after the Centre announced the suspension of operations against terror groups during the holy month of Ramzan.

This is his second visit to Leh, a Himalayan town sharing the border with Pakistan and China and located 450 km north of the state's summer capital city of Srinagar. He had visited here on August 12, 2014, and inaugurated a hydel power project.

After reaching the airport, the prime minister stopped on the road and met people who had come to welcome him.&nbsp

"I thank the wonderful people of Leh for the warm welcome. I am delighted to be here,"&nbsphe tweeted

The prime minister will participate in the closing ceremony of the 100th birth anniversary of the 19th Kushak Bakula Rinpoche.

Bakula was seen as the force behind several political agitations in the region and was its voice all over the world. He was born in Matho on May 21, 1917, and educated at Geshes, Lhasa (Tibet). A scholar of the Mahayana school of Buddhism, he was head priest of the Spituk Gompa. He died in 2003.&nbsp

Bakula Rinpoche served the state and nation as he was elected as the member of legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir in 1951. He became a minister in the then state government.&nbsp

He was elected as Member of Parliament representing Ladakh for two consecutive terms -- 1967 and 1971. During 1962 Sino-Indian war, he had allowed the Army to convert a section of his Pethub Monastery into a makeshift military hospital.&nbsp

In 1989, he was appointed as India's ambassador to Mongolia which made him the first and only Monk diplomat in the world.&nbsp

Over a period of ten years, he helped reopen ancient monasteries, organise Buddhist peace conferences and re-established Buddhism. Under his guidance, Pethub Monastery and Dechen Ling Nunnery in Ulaanbaatar developed into important centres of learning for the Mongolian Buddhists.&nbsp

His services in Mongolia were deeply appreciated and he is fondly remembered as 'Elchin Bagsh' (ambassador-teacher). In 2001, he was conferred the Polar Star award, Mongolia's second-highest civilian award. The Pethub Stangey Choskhor Ling Monastery was also built at Ulaanbaatar.

Former governor S K Sinha had renamed Leh airport as Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport as his Spituk Monastery was in the vicinity of the airfield.

At the same event, Modi will unveil a plaque to mark the commencement of work on the Zojila tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity to this region.

The 14 km tunnel will be country's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel.&nbsp

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the prime minister, had approved the construction, operation and maintenance of this tunnel between Baltal and Minamarg, on the Srinagar-Leh section at a total cost of Rs 6,800 crore earlier this year.&nbsp

The construction of this tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh and will lead to all-round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions.

The road remains cut off from November to March due to heavy snowfall, landslides and avalanches. Normally, it takes around four hours to drive through the mountainous 9 km through Zoji La but after the construction of tunnel, which is likely to be completed in 2026, it will take only 15 minutes.&nbsp

&nbsp

&nbsp

&nbsp

This is his second visit to Leh, a Himalayan town sharing the border with Pakistan and China and located 450 km north of the state's summer capital city of Srinagar. He had visited here on August 12, 2014, and inaugurated a hydel power project

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Leh on Saturday morning on his day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the first after the Centre announced the suspension of operations against terror groups during the holy month of Ramzan. This is his second visit to Leh, a Himalayan town sharing the border with Pakistan and China and located 450 km north of the state's summer capital city of Srinagar. He had visited here on August 12, 2014, and inaugurated a hydel power project. After reaching the airport, the prime minister stopped on the road and met people who had come to welcome him. "I thank the wonderful people of Leh for the warm welcome. I am delighted to be here,"&nbsphe tweeted The prime minister will participate in the closing ceremony of the 100th birth anniversary of the 19th Kushak Bakula Rinpoche. Bakula was seen as the force behind several political agitations in the region and was its voice all over the world. He was born in Matho on May 21, 1917, and educated at Geshes, Lhasa (Tibet). A scholar of the Mahayana school of Buddhism, he was head priest of the Spituk Gompa. He died in 2003. Bakula Rinpoche served the state and nation as he was elected as the member of legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir in 1951. He became a minister in the then state government. He was elected as Member of Parliament representing Ladakh for two consecutive terms -- 1967 and 1971. During 1962 Sino-Indian war, he had allowed the Army to convert a section of his Pethub Monastery into a makeshift military hospital. In 1989, he was appointed as India's ambassador to Mongolia which made him the first and only Monk diplomat in the world. Over a period of ten years, he helped reopen ancient monasteries, organise Buddhist peace conferences and re-established Buddhism. Under his guidance, Pethub Monastery and Dechen Ling Nunnery in Ulaanbaatar developed into important centres of learning for the Mongolian Buddhists. His services in Mongolia were deeply appreciated and he is fondly remembered as 'Elchin Bagsh' (ambassador-teacher). In 2001, he was conferred the Polar Star award, Mongolia's second-highest civilian award. The Pethub Stangey Choskhor Ling Monastery was also built at Ulaanbaatar. Former governor S K Sinha had renamed Leh airport as Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport as his Spituk Monastery was in the vicinity of the airfield. At the same event, Modi will unveil a plaque to mark the commencement of work on the Zojila tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity to this region. The 14 km tunnel will be country's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the prime minister, had approved the construction, operation and maintenance of this tunnel between Baltal and Minamarg, on the Srinagar-Leh section at a total cost of Rs 6,800 crore earlier this year. The construction of this tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh and will lead to all-round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. The road remains cut off from November to March due to heavy snowfall, landslides and avalanches. Normally, it takes around four hours to drive through the mountainous 9 km through Zoji La but after the construction of tunnel, which is likely to be completed in 2026, it will take only 15 minutes.

PM Modi arrives in Jammu and Kashmir on day-long visit

The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved the construction of Asia&#39;s longest bi-directional Zojila Pass tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir to provide all-weather connectivity between areas of Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, which remains cut-off from the rest of India during winters due to heavy snowfall.

The tunnel is pegged to cost&nbsp;Rs 6,089 crore and will reduce the travel time through Zojila Pass to 15 minutes from the current 3.5 hours between Srinagar and Leh.&nbsp;

The project was approved by the&nbsp;Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave his go-ahead to the 14.2-km long tunnel project.&nbsp;

In a statement,&nbsp;road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said,&nbsp;&quot;Zojila tunnel will be the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. (Its) construction period (will be) seven years because of a very difficult terrain where in some areas temperature dips to minus 45 degree Celsius. The tunnel shall be an engineering marvel as first of its kind in such a geographical area.&quot;

He added, &quot;Defense forces have to face a hard time ensuring supplies to border posts during winters. This pass is most strategic for the entire Kargil sector which has seen intrusion and war in the past.&quot;

It was announced that the&nbsp;Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the project and work on the tunnel is likely to start this year.

Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters (December to April) due to heavy snowfall and avalanches cutting off Leh-Ladakh region from Kashmir. 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Estimated to cost Rs 6,089 crore, once constructed, the tunnel will reduce travel time from 3.5 hours to 15 minutes

The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved the construction of Asia's longest bi-directional Zojila Pass tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir to provide all-weather connectivity between areas of Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, which remains cut-off from the rest of India during winters due to heavy snowfall. The tunnel is pegged to cost Rs 6,089 crore and will reduce the travel time through Zojila Pass to 15 minutes from the current 3.5 hours between Srinagar and Leh. The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave his go-ahead to the 14.2-km long tunnel project. In a statement, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said, "Zojila tunnel will be the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. (Its) construction period (will be) seven years because of a very difficult terrain where in some areas temperature dips to minus 45 degree Celsius. The tunnel shall be an engineering marvel as first of its kind in such a geographical area." He added, "Defense forces have to face a hard time ensuring supplies to border posts during winters. This pass is most strategic for the entire Kargil sector which has seen intrusion and war in the past." It was announced that the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the project and work on the tunnel is likely to start this year. Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters (December to April) due to heavy snowfall and avalanches cutting off Leh-Ladakh region from Kashmir.

Srinagar to Leh in 15 minutes, Cabinet approves Zojila Pass tunnel project

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