Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday marked a significant engineering achievement with the final blast that breached the Zojila Tunnel, a crucial infrastructure project aimed at ensuring year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The Chenab Times has learned that the breakthrough, triggered by Gadkari at the East Portal near Minamarg, signifies a pivotal moment in the construction of the 13.15-kilometre main tunnel, which spans National Highway-1, connecting Baltal in Kashmir with Minamarg in Drass.
The ceremony was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Ladakh MP Mohammad Haneefa, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, along with senior officials from Ladakh’s administration, NHIDCL, BRO, and representatives from Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd.
Gadkari described the event as a “historic moment,” emphasizing that the tunnel will overcome Ladakh’s winter isolation by providing all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh. He further stated that the project is expected to enhance strategic mobility, bolster tourism, and stimulate the local economy in the region.
Situated at an elevation of 11,578 feet above sea level, the Zojila Tunnel is poised to become Asia’s longest bi-directional road tunnel upon its completion. The comprehensive project encompasses the main tunnel, an auxiliary escape tunnel, three vertical ventilation shafts, and approximately 18 kilometres of approach roads, with an estimated total project cost of ₹6,809 crore.
Officials indicated that over 75 per cent of the physical construction work for the tunnel has been accomplished. Following this breakthrough, efforts will now intensify on tunnel lining, road pavement, and the installation of electro-mechanical systems. The project is currently on track for commissioning by February 2028.
Once operational, the Zojila Tunnel is projected to drastically reduce travel time across the Zojila Pass, cutting it down from over three hours to an estimated 15 minutes. This will bypass the challenging snow-bound and accident-prone stretches of the existing highway, thereby ensuring safer and more efficient transit.
The operationalization of the tunnel is also anticipated to guarantee consistent, year-round movement for defence personnel, vital supplies, and tourists traversing between Kashmir and Ladakh. Local leaders from Kargil and Ganderbal lauded the breakthrough as a landmark achievement, terming the tunnel a “lifeline for Ladakh” that is set to transform connectivity, economic activities, and access to essential services across the region.
The Chenab Times News Desk