Minimarg

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

Addressing the gathering after the breakthrough ceremony, Gadkari said the completion of this critical phase marked a historic achievement for the country.

"Today is a significant day in the history of India's infrastructure development. The 14-kilometre-long, modern tunnel, which will be among the longest of its kind in the world, is set to become a lifeline for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh," he said.

The minister expressed confidence that work on the tunnel approaches would be completed by February 2028 and described the project as a valuable gift to the residents of the region.

Congratulating the engineers, workers and technical teams involved in the construction, Gadkari acknowledged the challenges they had overcome while working in harsh climatic conditions.

"They have carried out this work in extremely difficult terrain and severe weather. Once completed, the tunnel will ensure year-round connectivity, incorporate advanced safety features and create employment opportunities for local people," he said.

Gadkari noted that the project had also resulted in substantial savings for the exchequer. While the estimated cost stood at around Rs 12,000 crore, the final expenditure is expected to be approximately Rs 7,000 crore, resulting in savings of nearly Rs 5,000 crore.

He 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 to the project.

The Union minister also announced several new infrastructure initiatives for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Referring to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Gadkari said that 20 tunnels have already been completed, while construction is underway on five others.

"After these projects are finished, the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar will come down to just three hours. It is my dream, and I assure you that it will soon become a reality," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who was present at the event, described the Zojila tunnel breakthrough as a historic milestone and thanked Gadkari and the project team for their efforts under challenging conditions.

"The pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will strengthen tourism and enhance national security," Sinha said.

He expressed hope that the project would be completed on schedule and noted that the Zojila and Sonamarg tunnels together would greatly benefit pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra.

In a video message, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, calling the tunnel an engineering marvel.

Describing the breakthrough as a historic achievement, Saxena said the completed tunnel would open new avenues of development in the region.

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"It will boost the local economy, encourage winter tourism and emerge as a vital lifeline for Ladakh," he said.