Zojila Tunnel excavation nears completion, major breakthrough likely next month

The Zojila Tunnel project, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, is eyeing a major breakthrough by the end of next month, when excavation work is expected to be completed, the developer said on Saturday.

Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), the current developer of the project, has only around 325 metres of excavation work remaining.

“We are hoping the excavation work will finish by May-end. Work is currently progressing at full pace… the breakthrough — a ‘handshake’ of the two sides — will take place,” Joint Chief Operating Officer of MEIL, Harpal Singh, told The Tribune.

He said that completion of excavation will mark a major milestone for the region.

Currently, MEIL teams are braving challenging high-altitude terrain to achieve this engineering feat, Singh said.

Strategically located at an altitude of 11,578 feet in the rugged Himalayan terrain, the tunnel will provide vital year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Leh via Drass and Kargil.

The Zojila Tunnel is a crucial component of the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh National Highway and is expected to significantly enhance both civilian and military mobility.

Officials said the project is not only a strategic infrastructure asset but also offers significant economic opportunities for the region.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the project includes a 13.153-km tunnel and 17.030 km of approach roads, taking the total length to 30.18 km.

The total project cost is Rs 6,809.69 crore, with a scheduled completion date of September 29, 2026. The ministry has informed Parliament that 1,043 local residents have been employed by the consultant, contractor, and subcontractors for the project.

At present, traffic on the mountainous Zojila axis is heavily dependent on weather conditions, with heavy snowfall and landslides often forcing road closures during winter.

Last month, seven persons died after a snow avalanche struck Zojila Pass, trapping several vehicles under snow and debris. Five others were injured.

Following the incident, Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa said the tragedy was “a stark reminder of the harsh and dangerous realities our people are forced to endure while travelling on this critical route.”