MINIMARG (Ladakh), Jun 9: A major milestone was achieved on Tuesday in the construction of the strategically significant Zojila Tunnel as engineers successfully completed the final breakthrough, marking a decisive step towards establishing seamless year-round road connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari triggered the controlled blast remotely from the East Portal near Minimarg, completing the excavation phase of the tunnel. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were present on the occasion.
Project officials said the breakthrough was accomplished nearly six months ahead of the planned schedule, bringing one of India’s most challenging infrastructure ventures significantly closer to completion.
The tunnel is expected to be opened to traffic in February 2028. While excavation work has now concluded, civil construction activities are likely to continue for another seven to eight months before installation of electrical and safety systems begins.
According to project authorities, nearly 85 per cent of the overall work has been completed.
Designed as a single-tube, bi-directional road tunnel, the structure stretches 13.153 kilometres beneath the Zojila range at an altitude of over 11,500 feet. The project also includes an 18-kilometre approach road, forming a 31-kilometre corridor between Sonamarg and Minimarg.
Constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), the project required engineers to overcome complex geological conditions and difficult Himalayan terrain.
Once operational, the tunnel will provide uninterrupted connectivity along the Srinagar-Leh highway, replacing the seasonal dependence on the snow-bound Zojila Pass. The route will drastically reduce travel time across the stretch and ensure reliable access for residents, tourists, trade and defence movement throughout the year.
The project is expected to transform transportation links to Ladakh by eliminating winter disruptions that frequently isolate the region due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.