India’s massive Zojila Tunnel project in Jammu & Kashmir is attracting new bidding. The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDC) is asking for new bids for the project. A number of Indian and international firms are expected to enter bids, with some planning join ventures for the work, which is expected to cost US$1.55 billion.
The bidding process for the project has faced several hurdles in the past and this is now the fifth try by the Indian Government to handle the tender process. The project will require boring two parallel tunnel drives a distance of 14km apiece, as well as emergency escape routes. Building the tunnel connection will allow transport from Leh-Ladakh to Srinagar even in winter time, when Leh-Ladakh is usually cut off.
