At least six individuals lost their lives, and five others sustained injuries in a massive avalanche that struck the Srinagar-Leh highway on the Ladakh side of the Zojila Pass. The avalanche buried multiple vehicles under snow, leading to the tragic incident. Initially, authorities had reported no casualties, but during rescue efforts, six fatalities were confirmed, with five survivors rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
The avalanche occurred earlier in the day, affecting the Ladakh section of the Zojila Pass and trapping numerous passenger vehicles in the debris. Consequently, the highway has been closed, prompting rescue teams to initiate clearance operations to reopen traffic flow. The Srinagar-Leh Highway, a crucial 434-km-long route linking Srinagar and Leh, is currently impassable due to the incident.
Notably, a tunnel is under construction beneath the Zojila Pass, aiming to provide year-round, safe connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of India. This tunnel, once operational, will connect Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir with Drass in Ladakh, offering a two-lane road at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet above sea level.
The ongoing tunnel project, along with the operational Z-Morh Tunnel, is a significant endeavor on the Srinagar-Leh highway. It is part of a larger initiative involving the construction of 31 road tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with a combined cost of around Rs 1.4 lakh crore. The completion of these projects is expected to enhance connectivity, tourism, and logistical support for the Indian armed forces, with the Zojila Pass tunnel set to become the longest in Asia upon its inauguration.
