Zoji La (Hindi: ज़ोजि ला or ज़ोजि दर्रा) is a high mountain pass in India, located on the Indian National Highway 1D between Srinagar and Ladakh in the western section of the Himalayan mountain range. Though often rendered commonly as Zojila Pass in the foreign press, the correct English translation is Zoji Pass or simply Zojila, since the suffix 'La' itself means pass in several Himalayan languages. In modern-day North Indian languages, 'La' (ला) and 'Darra' (दर्रा) are both used interchangeably to mean pass.
Zojila is 9 km from Sonamarg and provides a vital link between Ladakh and Kashmir. It runs at an elevation of approximately 3,528 metres (11,575 ft), and is the second highest pass after Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. It is often closed during winter, though the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to extend traffic to most parts of the year. The Beacon Force unit of the BRO is responsible for clearing and maintenance of the road during Winter.
With the recent declaration of the Srinagar-Zojila-Leh Road as a National highway by the centre, double lane specifications and interlocking concrete block pavements are planned. In addition, tunnels are also being planned.
Snow cutting machine on the Zoji La
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