Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 1

The breakthrough of the strategically important Zojila Tunnel is expected on June 9, marking a key milestone in India’s push to establish all-weather road connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, officials said.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari is likely to attend the event, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The 13.15-km tunnel, being constructed through the Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh national highway, will connect Baltal in Ganderbal district with Minamarg in Drass, Kargil once completed.

Officials said workers from both the Kashmir and Ladakh sides are expected to meet underground during the final blast, which will link the main tunnel tube.

“The breakthrough is a landmark event. After this, lining, ventilation and finishing works will be expedited,” a senior project official said, adding that the tunnel would enable year-round connectivity to Ladakh by bypassing the snow- and avalanche-prone Zojila Pass.

The Z-Morh Tunnel near Sonmarg is already operational, and officials said the Zojila project will complete the final missing link for all-weather access to the Ladakh region.

Construction began in 2020, and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd are executing the project for Rs 68.09 billion ($6808.69 crore), officials said.

Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time across Zojila from over three hours to around 15 minutes.

It is also expected to serve strategic defence requirements and boost tourism and economic activity in Ladakh and parts of central Kashmir.

Officials said the tunnel incorporates modern engineering features, including lay-bys at 750-metre intervals and multiple ventilation shafts. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method has been used for excavation from both ends.

The project, launched in 2018, faced delays before construction resumed in 2021, officials said.

The tunnel is expected to be fully commissioned by 2028.