Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 10

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday welcomed the breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel, describing it as a major milestone towards achieving all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.

In a statement, the chamber said the successful completion of tunnel excavation and the connection of both ends marked a significant achievement in the region’s infrastructure development and would have far-reaching economic benefits.

KCCI said the project would provide year-round connectivity across the Zojila Pass, reducing travel time and ensuring uninterrupted movement of people, goods and essential supplies between Kashmir and Ladakh.

The chamber said improved connectivity was expected to strengthen trade, tourism and logistics while enhancing market access for horticulture and handicraft products. It added that the project could also attract investment and create employment opportunities across the region.

KCCI said it had written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, congratulating him on the breakthrough and acknowledging the ministry’s role in advancing major infrastructure projects in the Himalayan region.

The chamber described the tunnel as a landmark engineering achievement and said ongoing investments in highways, tunnels and transport infrastructure were laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and greater regional integration.

According to KCCI, the completion of the Zojila Tunnel and related connectivity projects is expected to boost trade, improve accessibility and contribute to sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The chamber also expressed appreciation for the continued focus of the central and Jammu and Kashmir governments on strengthening transport connectivity and reiterated its support for infrastructure initiatives aimed at promoting economic development in the region.