Zojila Tunnel Breakthrough Achieved, All-Weather Kashmir-Ladakh Link Nears Reality

MINIMARG (Ladakh), June 9: A major milestone was achieved in the construction of the strategically important Zojila Tunnel on Tuesday as engineers successfully completed the final breakthrough, bringing the long-awaited dream of all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh a step closer to reality.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari triggered the breakthrough blast remotely near the East Portal of the tunnel at Minimarg in Ladakh. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were present on the occasion.

Officials of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) said the breakthrough was achieved six months ahead of schedule, marking a significant advancement in one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.

The 13.153-km-long Zojila Tunnel, being constructed on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, is set to become the world’s longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at such a high altitude. The tunnel is expected to be opened to the public by February 2028.

According to project officials, around 85 per cent of the work has already been completed. Following the breakthrough, civil construction is expected to continue for another seven to eight months, after which electrical and other finishing works will commence.

Built at an altitude of approximately 11,578 feet above sea level, the horseshoe-shaped tunnel is 9.5 metres wide and 7.57 metres high. It connects Baltal in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district with Minimarg in Ladakh’s Drass sector and forms part of a 31-km project that includes approach roads and bridges.

Officials said the tunnel will provide year-round connectivity to Ladakh, significantly improving civilian travel and military logistics. It is expected to reduce travel time through the Zojila sector from over an hour to around 15 minutes.

The project is being executed by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), which enabled engineers to navigate the challenging Himalayan terrain and fragile geological conditions.

Once operational, the tunnel will ensure uninterrupted connectivity across the Zojila Pass, which remains closed for several months each year due to heavy snowfall, enhancing both regional development and national security. (Agencies)