Zojila Tunnel Achieves Major Milestone Towards All-Weather Connectivity

Zojila Tunnel Achieves Major Milestone Towards All-Weather Connectivity

¨     Zojila Tunnel is a 13.153-kilometre road tunnel being constructed in the Himalayas at an altitude of about 11,578 feet (around 3,000 metres) above sea level.

¨     The project is being developed to provide all-weather road connectivity between Baltal near Sonamarg in Jammu & Kashmir and Meenamarg in the Drass–Kargil region of Ladakh.

¨     The route through Zojila Pass remains closed for several months every year due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.

¨     The final tunnel breakthrough is scheduled for 9 June 2026.

¨     Full operational completion of the project is expected by February 2028.

¨     The project is being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited for National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.

¨     Construction work on the tunnel commenced in October 2020.

¨     The estimated cost of the project is ₹6,809.69 crore (approximately USD 815 million).

¨     Upon completion, it will become the world’s longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at such a high altitude.

¨     The tunnel is designed to significantly improve connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh throughout the year.

¨     It will reduce travel time across Zojila Pass from about 3.5 hours to just 15–20 minutes

¨     The project is expected to enhance strategic mobility, tourism, trade, and socio-economic development in the region.