The countdown has begun for a major breakthrough in the Zojila Tunnel project, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, with less than 100 metres of excavation work left to be completed.
Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), the executing agency for the project, told The Tribune on Saturday that the breakthrough is expected by the end of this month.
Joint Chief Operating Officer of MEIL, Harpal Singh, said around 92 metres of excavation work remained as of Saturday and that tunnelling would be completed soon.
“The handshake of both sides — Baltal on the Kashmir side and Minimarg on the Kargil side — will take place once the breakthrough is achieved,” he 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.
The tunnel is expected to provide major relief during winter, when traffic movement depends on weather conditions and snow clearance operations.
This winter too, avalanches struck the Zojila area. In one incident, seven people died after a snow avalanche hit Zojila Pass, while in another, a vehicle was trapped under snow and its driver sustained injuries.
Officials said the project is not only a strategic infrastructure asset but will also generate significant economic opportunities for the region.
According to MEIL, even after the expected breakthrough this month, it will take more than two years before the tunnel is fully operational for traffic.
However, officials said emergency vehicle movement may be allowed after the breakthrough is achieved.
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said the project includes 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 informed Parliament that 1,043 local residents have been employed by consultants, contractors and subcontractors associated with the project.
