Zojila tunnel project faces delay, cost escalation, completion pushed to 2028

The ambitious Zojila Tunnel project in Jammu & Kashmir has been hit by a series of delays and rising costs, with the completion deadline now extended to February 2028, over a year beyond the original schedule. The project, which was initially slated to be completed by September 2026, has made only 64 per cent physical progress so far.

In a written reply to Parliament, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, attributed the delays to a combination of factors, including disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a terrorist attack at the nearby Sonamarg Tunnel Project, and prolonged spells of harsh weather in the region.

The Zojila Tunnel, expected to significantly improve connectivity between Srinagar and Leh by ensuring year-round road access through the strategic Zojila Pass, is now expected to be completed nearly 17 months later than planned.

The project’s financial outlay has also seen a sharp increase. The total estimated cost currently stands at Rs 6,809 crore, out of which Rs 3,934.42 crore has already been spent. Officials say the remaining work will continue under strict monitoring to avoid further cost overruns.

As per data shared by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the project currently employs 1,141 persons. Of these, a significant 77% belong to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and 28% of the overall workforce hails specifically from the Ganderbal district, the region in which part of the project is located.