Key milestone achieved in Zojila project
Srinagar/New Delhi, June 9: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday witnessed the historic breakthrough of the main tunnel at the eastern portal of the Zojila Tunnel Project at Minamarg in Kargil district, marking a significant milestone towards establishing all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Members of Parliament, public representatives, senior officials and other dignitaries attended the event, while Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena joined virtually and described the breakthrough as a landmark achievement.
The breakthrough in the nearly 14-km-long bi-directional tunnel brings India closer to achieving year-round road connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Being constructed between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1 at an estimated cost of ₹6,800 crore, the tunnel is among the country’s most ambitious mountain infrastructure projects.
Built at altitudes ranging from 2,900 metres to 3,310 metres, the project has progressed despite heavy snowfall, harsh weather conditions and complex geological challenges. Gadkari congratulated engineers, workers, consultants, contractors, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and other stakeholders involved in the project.
The minister said the tunnel would be equipped with modern ventilation systems, automatic fire detection mechanisms, advanced CCTV surveillance and pedestrian cross-passages to ensure safe and efficient travel. The project also includes eight cut-and-cover sections, four bridges, 40 culverts, snow galleries, catch dams, avalanche protection structures, approach roads and other safety features designed to withstand challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Describing the Zojila Tunnel as more than a transportation project, Gadkari said it would serve as a gateway to development for the region. Once completed, travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg is expected to reduce from nearly two hours to about 30 minutes, resulting in substantial savings in time and fuel while reducing accident risks and weather-related disruptions.
He said the project would boost tourism, facilitate trade, improve access to remote areas and strengthen connectivity to border regions. From a strategic standpoint, year-round connectivity would enable faster movement of Army personnel, equipment and supplies, enhancing national security and operational preparedness.
The minister added that the project would generate employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life of local communities through enhanced connectivity and regional integration.
Highlighting broader infrastructure development in Ladakh, Gadkari said road and tunnel projects worth about ₹18,000 crore are currently under implementation between Kargil and Leh. He cited the Kargil-Zanskar-Padum highway project as a key initiative aimed at improving access to the Zanskar region and strengthening strategic connectivity.
To ease traffic congestion in Leh, South and North Bypass projects are being developed to facilitate seamless movement of vehicles travelling towards Srinagar, Manali and Khardung La without entering the city. Gadkari also referred to the proposed Fatu-La Twin-Tube Tunnel and Kela Pass Tunnel, which are expected to improve all-weather connectivity and provide better access to tourist destinations, including Pangong Lake.
He further informed that tunnel projects at Baralacha La, Lachulung La and Tanglang La along the Manali-Leh route are in the planning stage and will significantly improve travel reliability and year-round connectivity to Ladakh.
Turning to Jammu and Kashmir, Gadkari said highway projects worth approximately ₹1.35 lakh crore, including completed, ongoing and proposed works, are being implemented across the Union Territory to strengthen connectivity, improve logistics and accelerate socio-economic development.
He said four major high-speed corridors are under development. These include the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar corridor, which is nearing completion; the Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag corridor connecting the Chenab Valley with Kashmir; the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri corridor aimed at improving connectivity in north Kashmir; and the Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch corridor, which is expected to improve access to border districts and reduce travel time.
The minister also highlighted several strategic projects, including the Katra-Srinagar High-Speed Corridor, the Rafiabad-Kupwara-Chowkibal-Tangdhar road project and the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri corridor. According to him, these projects will improve access to border areas, promote tourism, support horticulture and strengthen strategic infrastructure.
A new corridor connecting Surankote, Bufliaz, Supen, Doodhpathri and Magam is also being planned to enhance connectivity between the Pir Panjal region and the Kashmir Valley.
Gadkari said the Srinagar Ring Road project is being implemented in multiple phases to decongest the city and facilitate smoother movement towards Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Gurez, Kargil and Leh. Connectivity to Srinagar Airport and the railway station is also being strengthened through dedicated spur links.
Similarly, the Jammu Ring Road project is aimed at reducing urban congestion and improving traffic circulation around the city. The proposed eastern section is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and provide a shorter route to Katra.
The minister said the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Greenfield Expressway would improve connectivity between Delhi and Katra, strengthen economic linkages across northern India and enhance access to Jammu and Kashmir through a modern access-controlled corridor.
Emphasising the government’s focus on tunnel infrastructure in the Himalayan region, Gadkari said such projects are critical for ensuring all-weather connectivity, improving road safety and strengthening strategic mobility.
“The successful breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel symbolises the emergence of a New India that transforms geographical challenges into opportunities for development, prosperity and national progress,” he said.
