13-km-long strategic Zojila Tunnel to achieve breakthrough by April

Excavation on a major portion of the 13-km-long strategic Zojila Tunnel, which will provide year-round surface connectivity to Ladakh, has been completed, while the breakthrough is expected by April next year. The breakthrough marks the point where two ends of the tunnel excavated from opposite sides meet.

The deadline for completion of the Rs 4,500-crore project is 2028.

The tunnel is being constructed beneath the Zojila Pass, situated at an altitude of 11,500 feet, which remains cut off for nearly five months in winter. During this period, residents and the armed forces rely on air connectivity to access the rest of the country.

The Zojila Tunnel will also significantly enhance the Army’s capacity for rapid deployment along the western border with Pakistan and eastern Ladakh bordering China. At present, both road routes to Ladakh, via Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, are blocked by heavy snow during winter.

Ladakh Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal visited the under-construction tunnel on Friday along with senior officials of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and Project Manager, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), Col AK Shiv Kumar (Retd).

Kotwal was informed that nearly 12 km of the tunnel has been excavated, with about 1,200 metres still under execution. Officials also briefed him on ventilation and safety systems, including the semi-transverse air-circulation system and on technical processes involved in tunnelling.

They said progress varies depending on the rock strata encountered, which causes the pace of construction to accelerate or slow at different points. On average, 2.5 to 3 metres of excavation is achieved per day, followed by a stitching and stabilisation process.

The Chief Secretary said the Zojila Tunnel would be one of the longest and most challenging in the region, acknowledging the hardships faced by Ladakh’s residents.

Construction began in 2020 and picked up pace in 2021 as weather conditions improved. The project comprises two components — the approach stretch from Sonamarg to the tunnel entrance and the main tunnel.

Officials said the first part, which includes the approach road, bridges, two small tunnels and avalanche-protection structures, has been completed. Concrete lining has already commenced on the second part, which includes the main tunnel.

Once completed, the tunnel will facilitate all-weather traffic to Ladakh and boost the region’s tourism potential.

Earlier this month, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, seeking early approval of the Key-La Tunnel Project, citing its strategic importance for ensuring all-weather mobility in eastern Ladakh.

He also proposed that the project, along with key bypass roads — Phey–Ranbirpura (31.9 km) and Rinchen Chowk–Saboo Village Junction (17.6 km) — be entrusted to NHIDCL, noting the corporation’s experience in executing high-altitude infrastructure projects.

Highlighting the Panikhar–Pahalgam Road Project, the L-G said it held dual importance, as an alternative strategic link between Ladakh and Kashmir, and as a boost to tourism and local livelihoods.