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News: An avalanche at Zojila Pass on March 28, 2026 caused seven deaths, raising concerns over traffic regulation and safety measures.
About Zojila Pass
- Zojila Pass is a high mountain pass in Ladakh, known as the “Mountain Pass of Blizzards.”
- Location: It is situated at about 3,580 m on the Srinagar–Leh Highway.
- It lies between Ganderbal district (Jammu and Kashmir) and Kargil district (Ladakh).
- It lies in the Greater Himalayan Range.
- Connecting: It connects Sonmarg in Kashmir with Dras, Suru valleys, and further to Leh.
- It serves as the only surface link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
- Strategic importance: It acts as a crucial supply route for Indian forces in sensitive areas like Siachen Glacier and LAC.
- It supports transport of essential goods for Ladakh and maintains civilian life.
- Climate: It faces very harsh winters and heavy snowfall that disrupt mobility.
- Geological sensitivity: It is highly avalanche-prone and unstable due to melting snow.
- Seasonal closure: It remains closed for almost half of the year due to snow.
- Historical significance
- 1947–48 Indo-Pak war: It was a major battleground during the 1947–48 Indo-Pak war.
- It was initially seized by Pakistan-backed forces in 1948.
- Operation Bison: It was recaptured by the Indian Army on 1 November 1948 under Operation Bison using tanks.
- 1947–48 Indo-Pak war: It was a major battleground during the 1947–48 Indo-Pak war.
- Tunnels Passing Through Zojila Pass
- The Zojila Tunnel: It is a 14 km long tunnel under construction on the Srinagar–Leh highway.
- It will reduce travel time across the pass from 3.5 hours to about 15 minutes.
- It will be the longest bidirectional tunnel in Asia.
- Nilgrar Tunnels (1 & 2): These tunnels are important components of the Zojila Tunnel Project in Jammu and Kashmir.
- They are located on the Srinagar–Leh highway near Sonamarg and Baltal.
- Nilgrar-1 is 435 m long and Nilgrar-2 is 1,950 m long.
- They provide all-weather connectivity by bypassing snow-prone areas and ensuring year-round access.
- Z-Morh Tunnel (Sonamarg Tunnel): It is a 5 km long two-lane tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg at an altitude of 8,650 feet.
- It became fully operational in January 2025.
- The Zojila Tunnel: It is a 14 km long tunnel under construction on the Srinagar–Leh highway.
