Previous Year Question
Which of the following passes leads to Leh?
Zozila
Shipki La
Chumbi Valley
Banihal
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Zoji La is an extremely important Himalayan pass situated on the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh route. It is the principal land route connecting the Kashmir Valley with Dras, Kargil and further with the Leh-Ladakh region. The present NH-1 follows this axis from Srinagar towards Leh.
Zoji La lies at an elevation of about 11,650 feet. Owing to heavy snowfall and avalanches, the route has traditionally remained closed for long periods during winter, making the pass strategically and economically important for the road connectivity of Ladakh.
The Zojila Tunnel, being constructed below the pass, is intended to provide all-weather connectivity on the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh corridor. The approximately 14.15 km tunnel is designed to reduce the problem of seasonal closure of the route.