reported by, Akash Sharma
Last Update: March 15, 2023, 23:40 IST
Zojila Pass is located on the Srinagar-Leh Highway at an altitude of 11,578 feet. (File Photo/PTI)
Zojila Pass is located at an altitude of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar-Leh highway and used to be closed in November, but this year it was kept open till January 6 due to the massive efforts of the BRO.
Stating that the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has set another benchmark, Director General of Border Roads Lt Gen Rajeev Chowdhary on Wednesday said that the Zojila Pass, which connects Ladakh to the rest of the country through road connectivity, has Early opening will save Rs. 450 crores from the treasury this year. The crucial Zojila pass is set to open on Thursday (March 16) after a delay of a day from its initial schedule.
Zojila Pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar-Leh highway and used to be closed in November but this year it was kept open till January 6 due to the massive efforts of the BRO. Nevertheless, it is also opening early, making it the shortest winter closing of previous years.
In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, he said that the opening of the pass would facilitate road connectivity to the people of Ladakh with the rest of the country and would also be very beneficial for the movement of the armed forces.
“Zozilla used to remain closed for at least 160 days, but this time, we are opening it early. We are setting a record. We also wanted to break the mindset,” said Lt Gen Chaudhary.
During the last few years, every coming year marks a bigger and newer victory for Zojila Pass.
• In 2022, the pass was closed for 73 days from January 5 to March 19
• In 2020-21 it was closed on 31st December and reopened on 16th March
• Last year it was closed on December 11, 2019 and reopened on March 15, 2020
• In 2018-19, the pass was closed on 22 November and reopened on 5 May
• Similarly, in 2017-18 it was closed on 10th December and reopened on 6th April, 2018
He also talked about the efforts of BRO Karmayogis and several avalanche-prone points from Sonamarg to Zero Point and Drass to Zero Point. The BRO chief also apprised how alarm teams have been deployed at such points.
Asked about the benefits to locals and the armed forces apart from connectivity, he said, “BRO opens 26-30 passes along the LAC. We have expedited the process of opening all the passes. We have some important passes which are open all the time. Once this road is opened, we are saving Rs 7 crore per day. In one season, by opening Zozilla early, we have been able to save the exchequer Rs 450 crore for the armed forces only.”
“We want all-weather connectivity on this axis. We have two tunnels – Zojila and Z Mor. The construction work is going on fast. Both these tunnels should be ready by 2025. Then we will have all-weather connectivity.”
In view of the situation with China in Ladakh, this road is very important for the Indian Army and its operational preparedness. A lot of supplies for the army pass through this road and it helps in the movement of convoys in the region. The road also facilitates the movement of goods and supplies to Ladakh which would otherwise be sent by air.
The reopening of the pass is a matter of celebration for the people of Kargil and Ladakh as it is connected to the rest of the country. During the opening day of the road last year, 560 vehicles passed through the pass, including load carriers carrying fresh supplies, medicines and other essential items.
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