Ali said the detailed project report, to be funded jointly by the state government and the Centre, has to be submitted by the financial year 2008-2009.
The minister said the 15 km tunnel, which would be the longest in the state, is estimated to cost about Rs 650 crore (Rs 6.5 billion). The entire cost of making the road an all-weather road, including the construction of the tunnel, is expected to be about Rs 1,700 crore (Rs 17 billion), he added.
Ali said Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned for preparing the detailed project report and other logistics to ensure that the Ladakh region remains connected to the rest of the state and the country throughout the year.
Due to the road's closure, the prices of essential commodities rise in Ladakh and many areas depend on the armed forces for them, he pointed out.
Image : An Indian police vehicle moves through the Zojila Pass.
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