India’s high mountain pass Zoji-la has now been reopened

Kashmir-Ladakh Zojila Pass that is an important connector between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh has now been opened by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The pass is located at a height of 11650 ft, and is an important road in these high regions of the country.

Each year the pass closes around November when the temperature drops by a great degree, and then reopens at the end of April the following year.

The Zojila Pass remains closed for about 150 days every year, but this time it was a little different. The Pass remained open for a longer period of time in 2020, and has also opened up before the scheduled date in 2021. The pass was closed for a total of 110 days this time. Already 10 civilian trucks crossed the pass and went towards Kargil, carrying essential supplies.

Located about 100 km away from Srinagar. The Zoji-la Tunnel is currently under construction, the work had begun back in 2018. The tunnel will reduce the amount of time taken to reach Ladakh. At completion, the tunnel will have a two-lane bi-directional single tube tunnel that runs for 14.2 km.

The tunnel will reportedly have some exclusive features that make it a modern day smart-tunnel. Apart from CCTV monitoring, the tunnel will also have emergency lighting, ventilation system, and a tunnel radio system. There will also be emergency telephones, and fire fighting cabinets.