The Zojila Tunnel project, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, is expected to witness a major breakthrough in the coming days, with less than 40 metres of excavation work remaining.
Joint Chief Operating Officer of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), Harpal Singh, told The Tribune that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari is expected to attend the breakthrough event at Zojila.
Officials of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd — the executing agency for the project — said on Friday that work is progressing in full swing and the “handshake” between the two ends of the tunnel, Baltal on the Kashmir side and Minimarg on the Kargil side, is expected shortly.
A senior official associated with the project said the teams were “very close” to achieving the historic breakthrough. “With each passing day, we are moving closer to the two sides meeting. Less than 40 metres of excavation work now remains,” the official said.
Strategically located at an altitude of 11,578 feet in the rugged Himalayan terrain, the tunnel will provide vital year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Leh via Drass and Kargil.
The Zojila Tunnel is a crucial component of the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh National Highway and is expected to significantly improve both civilian and military mobility in the region.
The tunnel is also expected to provide major relief during winter months, when traffic movement depends heavily on weather conditions and snow-clearance operations.
According to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the project comprises a 13.153-km tunnel and 17.030 km of approach roads, taking the total project length to 30.18 km.
The project is being constructed at a cost of Rs 6,809.69 crore and is scheduled for completion by September 29, 2026.
The ministry has also informed Parliament that 1,043 local residents have been employed by consultants, contractors and subcontractors associated with the project.
