In a remarkable boost to India’s strategic infrastructure development, the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied over 31,000 tonnes of high-quality steel for the construction of the Zojila Tunnel. This ambitious and strategically significant project, situated in the Himalayas, aims to establish all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, enhancing civilian and defence mobility in the remote and often-inaccessible region of Ladakh.
The Zojila Tunnel, once completed, will be India’s longest road tunnel, stretching 14.15 kilometers. Positioned at an altitude of over 11,500 feet, it passes through one of the most treacherous terrains in the country. Harsh winters and heavy snowfall often render the existing Zojila Pass impassable, cutting off Ladakh from the rest of India for months. The tunnel will drastically reduce travel time from over 3.5 hours to just 15 minutes, ensuring uninterrupted year-round connectivity and acting as a lifeline for the region.
SAIL’s contribution to the project has been crucial. The Maharatna public sector undertaking supplied around 31,000 tonnes of steel, including TMT bars, structurals, and plates from its various integrated steel plants. These materials are being used for vital structural components such as tunnel supports, roadways, portals, and safety barriers. The durability and strength of SAIL steel are instrumental in meeting the demanding engineering requirements of this high-altitude tunnel.
The Zojila Tunnel project is being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) serving as the implementing agency. The tunnel will provide a major strategic advantage to the armed forces by enabling swift and secure movement of personnel and equipment to the border regions.
SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash emphasized the company’s commitment to nation-building, stating, “We are proud to contribute to a project of such immense national importance. SAIL’s steel has consistently supported India’s most iconic infrastructure initiatives, and our role in the Zojila Tunnel adds another chapter to that legacy.” His statement reflects the broader vision of utilizing indigenous resources to build strong and resilient infrastructure across India.
This project is also a key element of the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and empower domestic industries. By using domestically produced steel, the project not only supports Indian manufacturers but also ensures timely delivery and high quality – crucial for work in such challenging terrain.
The Zojila Tunnel is part of a larger infrastructure push in border and remote areas, aimed at strengthening connectivity, boosting tourism, and improving the livelihoods of local populations. Once operational, it will not only enhance the defence preparedness of the country but also bring socio-economic benefits to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
SAIL’s involvement in the Zojila Tunnel is yet another example of its pivotal role in building modern India. From the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh to metro projects, bridges, highways, and the Statue of Unity, SAIL’s steel has been a part of numerous transformative infrastructure projects. With the Zojila Tunnel progressing steadily, the legacy of SAIL as the steel backbone of the nation continues to grow.
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