Sonamarg, June 9: In a landmark achievement for India’s infrastructure sector, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday oversaw the breakthrough of the strategically important Zojila Tunnel, a project expected to revolutionize connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh by providing all-weather access through one of the country’s most challenging mountain regions.
Describing the project as a historic milestone, Gadkari said the 14-kilometre tunnel stands among Asia’s most ambitious engineering feats. He noted that the project reflects India’s growing engineering capabilities and commitment to connecting remote regions with world-class infrastructure.
“People in Ladakh had to endure months of isolation due to the closure of the Zojila Pass during harsh winters. This tunnel will ensure seamless connectivity and accelerate development in the region,” Gadkari said. He added that several major infrastructure projects are also underway in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including the Jammu-Srinagar highway expansion and other connectivity initiatives.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the people of both Union Territories, stating that the tunnel would provide reliable all-weather connectivity and contribute significantly to economic growth, tourism, trade, and regional development.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the breakthrough a “dream come true” for the people of Ladakh and welcomed the project’s completion. He said the tunnel would greatly benefit residents and strengthen regional development, while also stressing the need for improved air connectivity to further enhance transportation links.
Constructed beneath the Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, the tunnel is expected to drastically reduce travel time and ensure uninterrupted movement of people, goods, tourists, and security forces throughout the year. The project is also expected to boost tourism, improve access to essential services, and strengthen strategic connectivity to the border region.
The breakthrough marks a defining moment in India’s infrastructure journey and is set to transform the socio-economic landscape of both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
