Zojila tunnel breakthrough achieved, leaders hail landmark milestone

In a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the Zojila Tunnel project achieved a major breakthrough on Monday, paving the way for year-round road connectivity between the two regions. Political leaders and government dignitaries welcomed the development, describing the tunnel as a lifeline for Ladakh and a transformative infrastructure project that will enhance mobility, strengthen border connectivity, promote tourism and accelerate economic development across the Himalayan region.

J&K LG Manoj Sinha said “Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel is scripting a new future of year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. This engineering marvel will significantly reduce travel time, ensure safer travel and provide substantial fuel savings.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji and the relentless efforts of Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji, the Zojila Tunnel will emerge as a lifeline for the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting tourism and providing vital strategic support to our Armed Forces.

Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji & Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji for making the historic Zojila Tunnel breakthrough a reality. Joined Sh Nitin Gadkari Ji at this landmark occasion, ushering in a new era of connectivity & development for J&K and Ladakh”.

“The Zojila Tunnel Project comprises a 13.153-km tunnel and 17.030 km of approach roads, spanning 30.18 km at a cost of Rs 6,809.69 crore. The 7.57-metre-high, single-tube, two-lane tunnel beneath Zojila Pass will connect Ganderbal in Kashmir with Drass in Ladakh.

Built using the New Austrian Tunneling Method, it is equipped with a Smart Tunnel (SCADA) system, CCTV surveillance, radio communication, uninterrupted power supply and modern ventilation facilities”.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said “The milestone marks a transformative step towards ensuring all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, boosting economic growth, tourism and bringing two regions closer together”.

LG Ladakh VK Saxena said “The historic breakthrough of Zoji La Tunnel, a dream project of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, will prove to be a game changer in the development journey of Ladakh. This would significantly strengthen connectivity in the border regions of Ladakh and provide year-round connectivity with rest of India”.

“Thank you Hon’ble Minister @nitin_gadkari ji, for making this project possible and for supporting Ladakh with new road infrastructure projects, that would improve tourism in the UT, create new livelihood avenues and bolster our collective efforts for sustainable development in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh”, he wrote on X.