Will serve as lifeline for Ladakh & JK by ensuring all-weather connectivity
Highway development worth ₹1.35 lakh crore underway in J&K
Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway to strengthen regional linkages
Jammu Tawi, Jun 9: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday termed the Zojila Tunnel breakthrough a “golden chapter” in India’s infrastructure history, saying it will serve as a lifeline for Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir by ensuring all-weather connectivity.
Addressing a press conference after the ceremony, Gadkari, said the 14-km tunnel is among the country’s most significant infrastructure projects, built to global safety standards despite challenging terrain and harsh weather. He praised engineers, workers and agencies involved in the project, noting construction was carried out at an altitude of around 3,000 metres in sub-zero temperatures, with nearly 80% of the workforce comprising local labour.
Gadkari said the project, prioritised after 2014, was executed successfully after multiple failed tender attempts earlier, and at a significantly lower cost than originally estimated.
The Union Minister also announced a series of new infrastructure projects for Ladakh, including the Rs 1,000-crore Leh South Bypass (48 km) and Rs 200-crore Leh North Bypass (7.6 km) to ease congestion and improve connectivity.
He said work on the 2.6-km Fatu La twin-tube tunnel, estimated at Rs 1,200 crore, will begin within three months, while the Rs 3,500-crore Tela Pass Tunnel project is in the final DPR stage, with contracts likely before March next year.
In addition, Gadkari announced the widening and upgradation of the Srinagar-Gumri road to further strengthen connectivity and complement the Zojila Tunnel. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to expanding infrastructure in the Himalayan region and ensuring year-round access to remote border areas.
Gadkari stated that the tunnel will be equipped with modern ventilation systems, automatic fire detection systems, advanced CCTV surveillance and cross-passage facilities for pedestrians to ensure safe and efficient travel. “To address snow loads and geological challenges, the project includes eight cut-and-cover sections, four bridges, 40 culverts, snow galleries, catch dams, avalanche protection structures, approach roads and state-of-the-art safety arrangements,” he said.
Gadkari said that the Zojila Tunnel is much more than a transportation project and will serve as a gateway to development for the region.
“Upon completion, travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg will be reduced from nearly two hours to about 30 minutes, resulting in significant savings in time and fuel. The project will also reduce accident risks and disruptions caused by avalanches and adverse weather conditions,” he said, adding, “The tunnel is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade, improve access to remote areas and strengthen connectivity to border regions. From a national security perspective, year-round connectivity will enable faster and more efficient movement of the Indian Army, equipment, supplies and logistics, thereby strengthening strategic preparedness.”
“The project will also generate employment opportunities, promote economic growth and improve the quality of life of local communities through enhanced connectivity and regional integration,” Gadkari said.
The Minister stated that road and tunnel projects worth about ₹18,000 crore are under implementation between Kargil and Leh-Ladakh.
Among the important initiatives is the Kargil–Zanskar–Padum highway project, which is improving access to the Zanskar region while strengthening strategic connectivity and facilitating Army movement.
To improve traffic management in Leh, South and North Bypass projects are being developed to provide seamless movement for vehicles travelling towards Srinagar, Manali and Khardung La without entering the city.
Shri Gadkari also highlighted the proposed Fatu-La Twin-Tube Tunnel and Kela Pass Tunnel, which will improve all-weather connectivity and enhance access to key tourism destinations, including Pangong Lake.
The Minister informed that tunnel projects are being planned at Baralacha La, Lachulung La and Tanglang La along the Manali–Leh route.
These projects will substantially improve travel reliability, reduce journey time and strengthen year-round connectivity to Ladakh.
Following the breakthrough, Gadkari highlighted the Government’s broader efforts to transform road infrastructure across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
He informed that highway projects worth approximately ₹1.35 lakh crore, comprising completed, ongoing and upcoming works, are being implemented across Jammu & Kashmir to strengthen connectivity, improve logistics efficiency and accelerate socio-economic development.
Gadkari said that four major high-speed corridors are under development to strengthen connectivity across Jammu & Kashmir.
The Jammu–Udhampur–Srinagar corridor is nearing completion and will significantly reduce travel time through upgraded highway infrastructure and tunnel networks.
The Jammu–Chenani–Anantnag corridor will improve connectivity between the Chenab Valley districts and Kashmir Valley, while the Srinagar–Baramulla–Uri corridor will strengthen connectivity in North Kashmir and facilitate smoother movement of people and goods.
The Jammu–Akhnoor–Poonch corridor is also progressing rapidly and is expected to improve connectivity in border districts while providing substantial travel-time savings.
The Minister said that the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Greenfield Expressway will provide faster and more efficient connectivity between Delhi and Katra while strengthening economic linkages across northern India and improving access to Jammu & Kashmir through a modern access-controlled corridor.
Highlighting the Government’s focus on tunnel infrastructure in the Himalayan region, Shri Gadkari said that tunnel construction has become a key component of highway development to ensure all-weather connectivity, improve road safety and enhance strategic mobility.
He emphasized that these infrastructure initiatives are not merely transportation projects but instruments of economic growth, tourism development, employment generation, regional integration and national security.
Gadkari said that the successful breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel symbolizes the emergence of a New India that transforms geographical challenges into opportunities for development, prosperity and national progress.
Zojila Tunnel will usher new-era of connectivity: LG
Jammu Tawi, Jun 9: Terming the breakthrough of the strategically crucial Zojila Tunnel a “historic milestone,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that it would ensure all-weather connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and boost economic growth, tourism and national security in the border region.
Addressing a gathering at the Zojila Eastern Portal, LG Sinha congratulated the people of J&K and Ladakh and praised engineers, scientists and workers involved in the project for working in challenging conditions.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for making this vision a reality and said that the landmark project will usher in a new era of connectivity and development for Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.
“Today is undoubtedly a historic day. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Union Territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh,” he said, adding, “Under the leadership of PM Modi and the relentless efforts of the Union Minister the Zojila Tunnel will emerge as a lifeline for the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting tourism and providing vital strategic support to our Armed Forces,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha along with the Union Minister inspected the tunnel and expressed his deepest appreciation and commendation to all the engineers, personnel and workforce who have worked day and night under extremely challenging weather conditions at such a high altitude.
“Connectivity drives development and brings economic prosperity. Over the last 12 years, unprecedented work has been done in this sector across the country. There has been a significant improvement with regard to road, air and rail connectivity in these regions.
Given the scale of ongoing projects in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, I am confident that this will not only boost trade and tourism but will also significantly strengthen national security, especially in border areas.
“I hope this project will be completed at the earliest and dedicated to the people of Ladakh and Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also stated that the completion of this infrastructural marvel will offer immense convenience to devotees of Baba Amarnath Ji coming to Jammu Kashmir from across the country.
As the Chairman of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, I once again extend my gratitude and congratulations for this achievement,” he said.
“I congratulate the people of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir and all those associated with this project who worked tirelessly in adverse weather conditions,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of connectivity in border areas, LG Sinha said improved road, air and rail networks over the past decade have played a key role in driving development. He noted that previously neglected regions have now seen sustained infrastructure focus.
Referring to the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3, LG Sinha said improved connectivity would provide significant relief to pilgrims travelling to the shrine.
Zojila Tunnel will improve lives of people: CM
Jammu Tawi, Jun 9: Asserting that Zojila Tunnel project will bring improvements in people’s lives, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that it would ease access to education, healthcare and markets, and significantly boost tourism and trade.
Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, CM Omar, congratulated the people of Ladakh and thanked Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and his team for advancing the project to a stage where all-weather connectivity is now within reach. He said the closure of the Zojila axis during winters causes hardship, and the tunnel would transform lives by improving access to education, healthcare, tourism, trade and commerce.
“The true impact of this tunnel will be reflected in the lives of local residents-students, patients and traders. This project will bring change that is difficult to fully measure today,” Omar said.
Expressing hope for early completion of the remaining work, the Chief Minister said the breakthrough marks the fulfilment of a key aspiration of the region.
However, he flagged another long-pending demand of Kargil residents, urging Gadkari to facilitate regular air connectivity to the region.
“We made serious efforts but could not succeed. I request Gadkari Sahib to help realise this demand of the people of Kargil,” he said, adding that improved air connectivity would further boost development and integration.
He congratulated the people of Drass and appreciating the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the project.
It’s in place to mention here that with this development, the project moves closer to completion of what will be one of the most critical all-weather road links between Kashmir and Ladakh. Once operational, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time across Zojila Pass from 1–1.5 hours to just about 15 minutes, significantly improving year-round mobility.
The tunnel is a geostrategically vital infrastructure project measuring 13.153 km in length, 9.5 metres in width, and 7.57 metres in height, built at an altitude of around 11,578 feet above sea level. It is a horseshoe-shaped, single-tube, two-lane road tunnel designed to ensure uninterrupted connectivity even in extreme weather conditions.
The project is being executed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
Also present on the occasion were Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Member of Parliament Ladakh Haji Mohd Haneefa Jan, along with senior civil, military and project officials.
