J-K government considering tunnel on Srinagar-Leh road

Srinagar, Mar 23 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir government is actively considering a project for keeping Srinagar-Leh road open round the year, Finance Minister Tariq Hameed Karra said here today.

The 434-km-long highway remained closed for six winter months due to heavy snowfall.

Addressing the annual day function held at State Institute of Education, he said the coalition government had already taken up the matter of constructing a tunnel near Zojila Pass.

He expressed the hope that the tunnel would take off in next six years.

The function was organised by All Kargil Students Union, Srinagar.

The Minister said the Ladakh region thus would be connected with the Valley which would help further boost the tourism and education besides healthcare to the Ladakh people.

He said the former Chief Minister of the coalition government Mufti Mohammad Sayeed taking cognizance of the demand of Kargil people, approved Hill Development Council for Kargil.

He announced that a Kargil Girls Hostel would be constructed in Bemina adding that the land for the purpose would be equipped soon.

UNI BAS PK HT1907