The Zojila Tunnel project achieved a major milestone on Tuesday, 9 June, with the breakthrough of the main tunnel at the eastern portal near Minamarg in Ladakh’s Kargil district, bringing India closer to establishing all-weather road connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari witnessed the breakthrough at the project site.
Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Members of Parliament and senior officials were also present, while Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena joined the event virtually.
Being constructed between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1, the nearly 14 Km-long bi-directional tunnel is being developed at an estimated cost of about ₹6,800 crore.
Built at altitudes ranging from 2,900 metres to 3,310 metres, the tunnel is among India’s most ambitious mountain infrastructure projects.
The project has progressed through difficult terrain, heavy snowfall, harsh weather conditions and complex geological challenges.
Gadkari described the breakthrough as a historic achievement in India’s road infrastructure development.
According to the minister, the tunnel will be equipped with modern ventilation systems, automatic fire detection systems, advanced CCTV surveillance and pedestrian cross-passage facilities.
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The project also includes eight cut-and-cover sections, four bridges, 40 culverts, snow galleries, catch dams, avalanche protection structures and approach roads.
Upon completion, travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg is expected to reduce from nearly two hours to about 30 minutes.
The tunnel is also expected to reduce disruptions caused by avalanches and adverse weather conditions while improving road safety.
The ministry said the project will support tourism, trade and access to remote areas while strengthening connectivity to border regions.
It is also expected to improve military logistics by enabling year-round movement of personnel, equipment and supplies between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Highlighting broader infrastructure development in the region, Gadkari said road and tunnel projects worth about ₹18,000 crore are currently under implementation between Kargil and Leh-Ladakh.
He also said highway projects worth approximately ₹1.35 lakh crore, including completed, ongoing and planned works, are being taken up across Jammu & Kashmir.
The minister said the Zojila Tunnel breakthrough represents a major step towards improving regional connectivity, economic development and strategic mobility in the Himalayan region.
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