NEW DELHI: The completion of the strategic Zojila Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir has been pushed back to Feb 2028 due to multiple factors, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, a terrorist attack at the Sonamarg Tunnel project, and extreme adverse weather conditions, the road transport and highways ministry informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.The earlier deadline for this crucial project was Sept 2026. The ministry said that the current physical progress stands at 64%. It added that the total project cost is Rs 6,809 crore, out of which Rs 3,934 crore has been spent so far.After completion, the project located at an altitude of 11,578 feet will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. It will not only play an important role in the country’s infrastructure development but also enhance civilian and military movement in the region.Deficiencies, damages found in 81 NH projects in 5 yrsIn another reply to a question, the ministry informed the Lok Sabha that in the past five years major deficiencies and damages in NH works were found or received in 81 projects. A maximum of 23 instances were reported from Maharashtra followed by 12 in Rajasthan and six in Kerala.
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