Zojila tunnel breakthrough achieved, all-weather Kashmir-Ladakh connectivity moves closer | Watch

Zojila Tunnel Milestone Marks Closer to Year-Round Kashmir-Ladakh Link

Zojila tunnel breakthrough achieved all weather – A significant milestone was reached on Tuesday as the Zojila tunnel, spanning from Kashmir’s Sonmarg to Ladakh’s Minamarg, successfully passed through its final 2.5-meter segment. This achievement, as reported by PTI, connects the two ends of the world’s longest single-tube, bi-directional bypass tunnel. The project now stands as a critical step toward enhancing transportation between the regions.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari participated in the event, remotely initiating the breakthrough near the tunnel’s East Portal in Drass district. He highlighted the tunnel’s state-of-the-art design and safety standards, emphasizing its role in providing uninterrupted access to Leh, Ladakh. Gadkari also recalled his visit to Ladakh as BJP president, when he noted the region’s six-month seasonal isolation due to snow.

“This is not just a tunnel but a lifeline,” Gadkari stated. “Our government has prioritized infrastructure, and the project’s completion in ₹7,000 crore—saving ₹5,000 crore from the original ₹12,000 crore tender—reflects our commitment to progress.”

The breakthrough was achieved six months early, according to NHIDCL officials. Project engineer Manmohan Singh noted that the team worked tirelessly under harsh weather conditions without any incident. Over 3,000 workers have contributed to the excavation since 2020, with 85% of the work completed as of now.

Technical Specifications

The tunnel measures 9.5 meters in width, 7.57 meters in height, and extends 13.153 kilometers. It is a single-tube, two-lane structure shaped like a horseshoe, situated at an elevation of approximately 11,578 feet above sea level. The total project length, including the 18-km approach road from Baltal in central Kashmir to Minimarg in Ladakh, is around 31 kilometers.

Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), the project’s implementing agency, employed the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) to navigate the region’s complex geology. The tunnel’s strategic value is heightened during winter, when heavy snowfall typically blocks Zojila Pass for three months, disrupting mobility for both civilians and military units.

“I am proud that about 80% of the project is already finished,” said Yousef Es’haghpour Rahimabadi, the Authority Engineer. “The remaining 20% may take two more years, but this breakthrough is a major step forward. In emergencies, the tunnel could be used temporarily, though full operations are expected by February 2028.”

Following the completion of civil works in 7-8 months, electrical systems will be installed, leading to the tunnel’s public opening. This development promises to revolutionize travel between Kashmir and Ladakh, slashing the journey from 1.5 hours to just 15 minutes and ensuring connectivity regardless of weather conditions.