Bilal Bashir Bhat
Ganderbal, June 9: In a landmark achievement for India’s infrastructure sector, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday marked the breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel by symbolically excavating the final rock wall, paving the way for one of the country’s most ambitious Himalayan connectivity projects.
The breakthrough ceremony was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh could not attend the event due to official engagements in Mongolia.
The breakthrough marks a major milestone in the construction of the 13.15 kilometre Zojila Tunnel, which, upon completion, is set to become Asia’s longest bi directional road tunnel. Located at an altitude of over 11,500 feet, the tunnel will provide all weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, ending the prolonged winter isolation caused by heavy snowfall and the seasonal closure of the Srinagar Leh highway.
The project is being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited under the supervision of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Built using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), the tunnel is regarded as one of Asia’s most challenging engineering ventures due to its fragile geology, avalanche prone terrain and extreme weather conditions.
MEIL’s scope of work includes the main tunnel, escape tunnel, advanced ventilation systems and state of the art safety infrastructure.
Officials said the project will significantly reduce travel time, enhance strategic and defence mobility, and provide a major boost to tourism, trade and economic development across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. With the breakthrough now achieved, the project will move into its final stages, including lining, finishing and installation of safety systems.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for improved air connectivity to Ladakh, stressing the need for direct flights from major Indian cities. He also highlighted the absence of a railway network connecting the region and urged greater focus on transport infrastructure.
Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Gadkari described the tunnel as a project of national importance, noting that it was tendered four times, reflecting the complexity and significance of the undertaking. He expressed satisfaction that nearly 80 percent of the workforce engaged in the project comprises local residents and appreciated the support extended by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
The Union Minister also lauded MEIL for its contribution to the project, describing the Zojila Tunnel as an engineering marvel that will redefine connectivity and economic prospects in the Himalayan region.
Once operational, the tunnel is expected to transform transportation, strengthen national security logistics and emerge as a symbol of India’s engineering excellence in one of the world’s most challenging terrains.
