Srinagar, June 10: Mian Altaf Ahmed, a Member of Parliament from the National Conference, has expressed his commendation for the recent breakthrough in the vital Zojila tunnel construction. He simultaneously urged the involved construction agencies to prioritize local unemployed youth for employment opportunities within the project.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the breakthrough marks a significant milestone, bringing the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh closer to achieving long-awaited all-weather connectivity. MP Ahmed stated that this development is a fulfilment of a persistent demand from the local populace across both union territories.
He highlighted that the completion of the Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels is expected to significantly boost social and economic development in the region. However, MP Ahmed specifically demanded that construction companies engaged in the Zojila tunnel project ensure that local residents, particularly from the Ganderbal district and the Kangan constituency, are given preference for employment.
Ahmed emphasized that many residents in the area are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and rely heavily on tourism for their livelihood. He stressed the need for the construction company to provide preferential hiring to local unemployed youth, especially those possessing technical skills, for engagement in the project.
The Member of Parliament further disclosed that he has previously raised this demand for local employment in the Zojila tunnel project with the Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. The Zojila tunnel, once completed, is set to become a critical piece of infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic activity in the mountainous region.
The project aims to provide reliable road connectivity between Srinagar and Leh throughout the year, bypassing the current seasonal closures of the Zojila Pass due to heavy snowfall. This all-weather connectivity is anticipated to reduce travel times, lower transportation costs, and stimulate economic growth by improving access for trade and tourism.
The breakthrough signifies a major advancement in overcoming the challenging geological and meteorological conditions encountered during the tunnel’s excavation. Construction agencies have been working diligently to complete the tunnel, which is a key component of the national highway network connecting the Kashmir Valley with the Ladakh region. Local leaders and residents have consistently advocated for measures to ensure that the benefits of such large-scale infrastructure projects extend to the local communities through employment and skill development opportunities.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
