Context
Recently, the strategic Zojila Pass, which serves as the critical “gateway” between the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, has been in the news due to a tragic avalanche near Zero Point on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway (NH-1).
Zojila Pass: Key Facts for Prelims
- Location: Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,528 metres (11,575 feet) in the Zanskar Range of the Western Himalayas.
- Connectivity: It connects Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley with Drass and Kargil, ultimately leading to Leh in Ladakh.
- Historical Significance: It was a major battleground during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48; the Indian Army’s Operation Bison successfully recaptured the pass using tanks at high altitude—a historic military feat.
- National Highway: It is a vital segment of NH-1 (formerly NH-1D).
The Zojila Tunnel Project
- Objective: To provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, which is currently severed during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
- Specifications: Once completed, it will be approximately 14.15 km long, making it Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel at such a high altitude.
- Technology: The tunnel uses the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) and features advanced “Smart Tunnel” safety systems.
- Strategic Impact: It will reduce the travel time across the pass from 3.5 hours to just 15 minutes, ensuring seamless logistics for the Indian Armed Forces near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Other Important Mountain Passes in J&K and Ladakh
| Pass Name | Range / Location | Significance |
| Banihal Pass | Pir Panjal Range | Connects Jammu with the Kashmir Valley; the Jawahar Tunnel and Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel operate here. |
| Pir Panjal Pass | Pir Panjal Range | Known as Peer Ki Gali, it connects the Kashmir Valley to Rajouri and Poonch via the Mughal Road. |
| Khardung La | Ladakh Range | One of the world’s highest motorable roads; gateway to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys and the Siachen Glacier. |
| Pensi La | Zanskar Range | Known as the “Gateway to Zanskar,” it connects the Suru Valley (Kargil) to the Zanskar Valley. |
| Fotu La | Zanskar Range | The highest point on the Srinagar-Leh highway, providing a critical link between the two regions. |
| Chang La | Ladakh Range | High altitude pass on the route from Leh to the Pangong Tso lake. |
| Karakoram Pass | Karakoram Range | Located on the border between India (Ladakh) and China (Xinjiang); part of the ancient Silk Route. |
| Umling La | Ladakh | Currently holds the record for the world’s highest motorable road at an altitude of over 19,000 feet. |
Q. Consider the following pairs of Mountain Passes and the regions they connect:
1. Zojila Pass: Srinagar and Leh
2. Banihal Pass: Jammu and Srinagar
3. Pensi La: Kashmir Valley and Gurez Valley
4. Khardung La: Leh and Nubra Valley
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
Solution: (c) Only three pairs
• STATEMENT 1 CORRECT: Zojila Pass is the primary link on NH-1 connecting Srinagar to Drass, Kargil, and Leh.
• STATEMENT 2 CORRECT: Banihal Pass in the Pir Panjal range is the traditional gateway between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
• STATEMENT 3 INCORRECT: Pensi La connects the Suru Valley (Kargil) with the Zanskar Valley. The Razdan Pass is the one that connects the Kashmir Valley with the Gurez Valley.
• STATEMENT 4 CORRECT: Khardung La is a vital pass in the Ladakh range that provides motorable access from Leh to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys.
