Kargil War, the dispute between Pakistan and India in May–July 1999 in Kargil, a sector of the contentious Kashmir area situated along the line of control that separates the portions of Kashmir administered by Pakistan and India. The Kargil War was the largest and deadliest of several border conflicts that took place in this area between the two nations.
The Zojila Pass, also known as Zoji La, is a high mountain pass in the western section of the Himalayas in the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh. It lies on the National Highway 1 (NH1) that connects Srinagar with Leh. The Zojila Pass is a critical link between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region.
During the Kargil War, the Zojila Pass played a significant role as it provided a strategic route for the Indian military to access the conflict zone in Kargil. In the summer of 1999, the Kargil conflict started. Zojila, an 11,500-foot-high mountain pass that runs through which an essential road link between Kashmir and Kargil-Ladakh meanders, had to be crossed by the Army to transport equipment and weapons.
The pass, which lies 130 kilometers east of Srinagar, is blocked for six months. After a design effort by snow-cutters, it often opens in May. In his book, "Kargil: From Surprise to Victory," former Army Chief General VP Malik (retd) discusses the significance of Zojila. "More than 19,000 tonnes of ammunition was moved, mostly through Zojila."
In 1948, during the initial India-Pak war, Zojila's military significance became apparent. The Pakistan Army pushed in from the Skardu-Drass axis to conquer Zojila in February 1948. The action, code-named Operation Bison, was a pivotal tank battle to drive them out.
Renovation of Zojila Tunnel by Modi Government
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Zojila Tunnel construction project in May 2018. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation is carrying it out. The two-lane, horseshoe-shaped Zojila Tunnel will be 9.5 meters wide and 7.57 meters high. A cutting-edge technology called the New Austrian Tunnelling Method is being used.
An engineering marvel, the 14.15-kilometer-long Zojila Tunnel, which pierces through the formidable Zojila Pass and ensures communication even in the case of severe weather, is located at a height of over 11,500 feet. Construction is difficult because of the terrain's difficult features, including steep slopes, rough surfaces, and unstable glaciers.
Infrastructure is upto the border
The construction of the Zojila Tunnel will significantly improve communication and fortify border infrastructure. The project has enormous value for both the military and civilians, ensuring year-round access to the area and promoting economic development in this remote region of India, despite the severe difficulties experienced by workers.
The tunnel is anticipated to have a favorable effect on tourism in the area as the pass's difficulties have frequently eclipsed the area's natural beauty. Greater accessibility is likely to increase the number of tourists who visit the area's scenic valleys and clear lakes, which will help the local economy grow overall.