JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
June 9 could prove to be a historic day for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The Zojila Tunnel project, which has been under construction for a long time, is about to reach its most significant milestone. According to officials, a historic “breakthrough” is expected to occur within the tunnel on June 9, thereby connecting the Baltal area in Ganderbal district with the Minamarg area in Dras.
This 13.15-kilometer-long tunnel is being constructed beneath the Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. Once the project is completed, it will ensure seamless, year-round road connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh. Currently, due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, the Zojila Pass remains closed for several months each year, causing immense difficulties for both the civilian population and the armed forces.
According to sources, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, is likely to be present on this historic occasion. He will be joined at the event by senior officials from the NHAI, NHIDCL, and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited—the company executing the project.
Project officials stated that the final blast to connect the two ends of the tunnel will be carried out on June 9. Following this, teams of engineers and laborers working from both the Kashmir and Ladakh sides will meet inside the tunnel. This is being hailed as the most critical and historic phase of the project.
According to officials, once the main structure of the tunnel is complete, the internal lining, ventilation systems, safety equipment, and other finishing works will be expedited. Upon the completion of these tasks, the tunnel will be opened to vehicular traffic.
The construction of the Zojila Tunnel will make the journey from Srinagar to Kargil and Leh significantly easier than it is currently. At present, crossing the Zojila Pass takes three hours or more; however, once the tunnel becomes operational, this journey will be completed in a mere 15 minutes. Upon its completion, this tunnel—being constructed at an altitude of 11,578 feet—will become India’s longest road tunnel. Furthermore, it will rank among Asia’s longest bi-directional road tunnels. Experts believe that this project is not only strategically significant but will also provide fresh momentum to tourism, trade, and the local economy.
According to defense experts, the Zojila Tunnel will also prove to be of immense importance to the Indian Army. With the availability of all-weather road connectivity, transporting logistics and military supplies to border areas will become significantly easier and faster than before.
Locals state that the completion of this project will bring about a revolutionary transformation in connectivity between Ladakh and Kashmir. The tourism industry will receive a boost, commercial activities will expand, and the region’s development will be steered in a new direction.
This ambitious project—awaited for over a decade—is poised to mark a new chapter in the infrastructural development of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
