Gadkari witnesses breakthrough at strategic Zojila tunnel project

New Delhi: The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday witnessed the breakthrough of the main tunnel at the eastern portal of the strategically important Zojila Tunnel project in Kargil district.

According to an official statement, this project will enable year-round connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

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Being constructed between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway 1, the nearly 14-km-long bi-directional tunnel is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 6,800 crore. Once completed, it will reduce travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg from around two hours to about 30 minutes while ensuring uninterrupted connectivity despite heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.

Gadkari said the tunnel would significantly boost tourism, trade and regional development while strengthening strategic mobility and logistics support for the armed forces in border areas. The project is equipped with advanced safety features, including modern ventilation systems, automatic fire detection mechanisms, CCTV surveillance and emergency cross-passages.

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The minister also highlighted that road and tunnel projects worth around Rs 18,000 crore are under implementation in the Ladakh region, while highway projects valued at approximately Rs 1.35 lakh crore are underway across Jammu & Kashmir to improve connectivity, logistics efficiency and socio-economic development.

Describing the Zojila Tunnel breakthrough as a landmark achievement, Gadkari said the project symbolises India's ability to overcome geographical challenges through world-class infrastructure and will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, employment generation and national security.

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