Zojila Tunnel Inauguration: PM Modi, Nitin Gadkari To Inaugurate All-Weather Link Between Kashmir And Ladakh

Updated: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 9:03 [IST]

It's a big day for India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Roads and Transport Nitin Gadkari are set to inaugurate the new Zojila Tunnel today. The Zojila Tunnel is very special in its self as it connects Kashmir Valley and Ladakh safely.

The tunnel works in all weather conditions.

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India inaugurated the 13.14 km Zojila Tunnel, connecting Kashmir Valley and Ladakh at 11,578 ft, built over ₹6,800 crore; the tunnel reduces travel time from 3 hours to 20 minutes and ensures year-round connectivity for residents and military logistics.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari shared a video of the tunnel on his social media handle showing all the preparations. The tunnel lies 11,578 feet above sea level. It spans a distance of 13.14 kilometres.

Residents can now travel very fast. The trip now takes just 20 minutes. It used to take almost three hours. This route links Ganderbal to Drass town. Heavy winter snow blocked the road before. Now, travel continues throughout the entire year. This links isolated areas to the country.

Strategic Importance for Defence

The tunnel aids India’s military logistics. The region sits near borders with rivals. It faces both Pakistan and China daily. Rapid troop movement is now a reality. Supplies can reach soldiers much faster now. Soldiers need such vital supply chains intact. This allows faster deployment to forward areas.

हिमालय की दुर्गम उँचाईयों में आकार ले रही भारत की सबसे चुनौतीपूर्ण अवसंरचना : जोज़िला टनल!

मुख्य सुरंग ब्रेकथ्रू समारोह : 9 जून 2026#ZojilaTunnel #AllWeatherRoad #TunnelBreakthrough #PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti #BuildingTheNation pic.twitter.com/QurXHRD7mu
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) June 8, 2026

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This project is part of a plan. India wants many all-weather roads to Ladakh. It complements the Rohtang route in Himachal. The upcoming Shinku La Tunnel will help. Dependence on one route is ending now. Needs arose after the 1999 Kargil War. Road safety is a top priority today.

Engineering and Construction

The project cost over ₹6,800 crore. Engineers used the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. This method fits the fragile Himalayan geology. Workers faced extreme conditions during the build. Temperatures dropped below minus 30 degrees Celsius. They also faced constant threats from avalanches. But the team completed this difficult task.