Breakthrough in ZojiLa Tunnel paves way yr-round Ladakh link

Sonamarg| Srinagar: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday inspected and triggered the final breakthrough of the strategic Zojila Tunnel, describing it as a "golden chapter" in the country's infrastructure history.

Gadkari, accompanied by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and senior administrative officers from Ladakh, triggered the final controlled blast that pierced the last 2.5 metres of rock, connecting the two ends of the main tunnel. The breakthrough marks a major milestone in one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the Himalayas.

The 13.15-km tunnel, located at an altitude of 3,528 metres above sea level, is the highest single-tube bi-directional tunnel in the country. It is designed to provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh, significantly reducing travel disruptions caused by heavy snowfall and extreme weather.


Stretching from Baltal in Sonamarg to Minamarg in Drass along National Highway-1, the tunnel is being developed at a cost of ₹6,800 crore. Gadkari said the project was initially estimated to cost around ₹12,000 crore, resulting in substantial savings for the government.

The Union minister described the project as a magnificent example of Indian engineering prowess in one of the world's most challenging terrains. The tunnel is being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) for the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

It is being constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), which is particularly suited to the fragile Himalayan geology and variable rock conditions. Gadkari said the Zojila Tunnel is "a golden chapter in the infrastructure history of the country and a gateway to development and a lifeline" for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. While Gadkari did not confirm when the tunnel would be opened for public traffic, officials said the project is likely to be completed within the next two years.