Zojila Tunnel breakthrough blast to advance all-weather Kashmir–Ladakh connectivity

The Zojila Tunnel is due to achieve a major breakthrough after a planned blast, bringing all-weather road connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh closer. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari is expected to witness the milestone. NHIDCL officials say the breakthrough is six months ahead of schedule, with opening targeted for early 2028.

The Zojila Tunnel was set to reach a key milestone on Tuesday. A controlled blast was planned to create a breakthrough. Officials said the moment would mark progress on the world’s longest single-tube bi-directional bypass at a record altitude. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari was expected to witness the blast.

Officials said the breakthrough moved a long-held goal closer. The project aimed to give all-weather travel between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. An official from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited NHIDCL said the breakthrough was six months early. The official added the work was nearly complete despite very harsh conditions.

Zojila Tunnel breakthrough timeline and opening date

The NHIDCL official said, "It was very tough to work on the construction of this tunnel. The conditions were very tough, still the work has almost been completed and that too without any accident.\" The official said civil works would take another 7-8 months. The official added electrical work would start after that. The tunnel was expected to open in January-February 2028.

The tunnel was designed as a two-lane, horseshoe-shaped single tube. Officials said it was 9.5 metres wide and 7.57 metres high. The length was given as 13.153 km. The structure was being built at about 11,578 feet above sea level. Officials said this made the location among the highest for such work.

Zojila Tunnel route on Srinagar-Leh National Highway

Officials said the Zojila Tunnel lay on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. The tunnel would give weather-proof access to Ladakh across the Zojila Pass. The pass often stayed closed for three winter months due to snow. Officials said travel time would fall from 1-1.5 hours to a 15-minute drive. The tunnel would support year-round road movement.

The tunnel stretch ran from Baltal in Ganderbal district to Minimarg in Drass district. Officials said the tunnel had an 18-km approach road. The wider project length was stated as 31 km, including bridges. It stretched from Sonamarg to Minimarg. An official said the approach road from Sonamarg to Baltal was 18 km, while the main tunnel ran about 13 km.

Zojila Tunnel construction method and safety systems

Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited MEIL was executing the project, officials said. The work used the New Austrian Tunnelling Method NATM. Officials said this helped manage fragile Himalayan geology. The project included advanced safety steps and a semi-transverse ventilation system. Officials said these features were meant to keep airflow steady deep inside the mountain.

Officials said the tunnel included a Smart Tunnel SCADA system constructed using the NATM. The plan also listed CCTVs, radio control, uninterrupted power supply, and ventilation systems. An official described it as a major infrastructure feat. The official said it cut through difficult Himalayan rock to provide a stable link. The tunnel aimed to improve transport reliability for remote areas.

Zojila Tunnel impact for Ladakh, tourism, and defence mobility

Officials said the tunnel would support both civilian and military movement. It would improve access across the Zojila Pass during severe weather. An official said it would boost tourism and the economy. The official said it would also improve Indian Armed Forces logistics. The official added it would allow rapid, secure, all-year movement of troops and supplies to the border region.

Ladakh residents said winter closures caused major hardship. Basharat Ahmad, a Ladakh resident, said, \"We have been eagerly waiting for this tunnel and express our gratitude to the government for this project,\" Basharat Ahmad, a Ladakh resident, said. Basharat Ahmad added, \"We will be able to not only travel, but exchange commodities through the tunnel. It will boost our business and trade,\" he added. Officials said the breakthrough blast was a major step before finishing work and testing.

With inputs from PTI