Minimarg

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday described the breakthrough achieved in the Zojila Tunnel project as a landmark moment in India's infrastructure development, saying the tunnel would transform connectivity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Speaking after the final blast connected the two ends of the tunnel, Gadkari said the achievement marked a historic milestone and would serve as a lifeline for residents of the region.

He noted that the nearly 14-kilometre-long tunnel, regarded as one of the world's longest high-altitude road tunnels, would ensure seamless all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh. According to him, the approach roads linked to the project are expected to be completed by February 2028.

Calling the tunnel a significant gift to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Gadkari praised the dedication of engineers, workers and project personnel who continued construction despite harsh weather conditions and challenging terrain.

He said the project would guarantee uninterrupted connectivity throughout the year, incorporate advanced safety systems and generate employment opportunities for local residents.

The minister further revealed that efficient execution of the project had resulted in substantial savings. While the initial estimated cost stood at around Rs 12,000 crore, the final expenditure is expected to be close to Rs 7,000 crore, leading to savings of nearly Rs 5,000 crore.

Expressing appreciation to the workforce involved in the project, Gadkari thanked labourers, consultants, engineers, officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and the executing agency, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), for their contribution.

He also announced that several additional infrastructure initiatives would soon be undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Referring to ongoing work on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Gadkari said that while 20 tunnels have already been completed, construction is underway on five more. Once these projects are finished, he said, travel time between Jammu and Srinagar would be reduced to nearly three hours.

He described this improved connectivity as a long-cherished vision and expressed confidence that it would soon become a reality.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who was present at the event, termed the Zojila breakthrough a historic achievement and congratulated everyone associated with the project for accomplishing the task under demanding conditions.

He thanked Gadkari and the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for prioritising development in the region, stating that enhanced infrastructure would boost tourism while strengthening national security.

Sinha also expressed hope that the tunnel would be completed within the stipulated timeline, adding that the Zojila and Sonamarg tunnels together would greatly ease travel for pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra.

In a video message, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena described the project as an engineering marvel and a transformative development for the Union Territory.

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He said the tunnel would not only improve connectivity but also stimulate economic growth, encourage winter tourism and emerge as a vital new lifeline for Ladakh's residents.