A tunnel through time and terrain

Sonamarg, Jun 8: The stage is set for the final breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel, a landmark infrastructure project that will provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The tunnel connectivity will end decades of seasonal isolation caused by heavy snowfall and avalanches along the strategic Srinagar-Leh highway.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, is scheduled to arrive at the project site on June 9 to witness the historic breakthrough of the tunnel excavation.

The minister is also expected to brief the media on the progress and significance of the project.
The final breakthrough of the 13.153-km-long Zojila Tunnel marks the completion of the most critical phase of excavation work and brings the project a significant step closer to its ultimate goal of ensuring year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
Located at an altitude of nearly 11,578 feet above sea level, the Zojila Tunnel is being constructed between Baltal in Sonamarg and Meenamarg in Drass.
Once completed, it will become the world’s longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at the highest altitude. The tunnel is being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) for National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited and is considered one of India’s most challenging mountain infrastructure projects.

Officials associated with the project said the breakthrough represents a defining milestone in the construction journey of the tunnel achieved despite extremely harsh weather conditions, fragile Himalayan geology and repeated avalanche threats.
The project began in October 2020 and has since witnessed numerous engineering accomplishments, including the completion of the Nilgrar twin tunnels, approach roads, bridges, snow galleries and cut-and-cover structures.
The tunnel is being constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), which is particularly suited for the unstable geological conditions of the Himalayas.

“Construction teams worked in temperatures ranging between minus 20 and minus 30 degrees Celsius for nearly 100 days every year,” an official said.
The project site also faced multiple avalanche incidents over the past five years, including a major avalanche in January 2023 that left more than 170 workers stranded before they were rescued by the Army.
“Despite these challenges, excavation progressed steadily, supported by a workforce of over 1200 personnel, nearly 80 percent of whom are local residents,” the official said.

The tunnel project is expected to transform connectivity across the region by ensuring uninterrupted movement of people, goods and essential supplies throughout the year.
It is also expected to strengthen tourism, trade and strategic mobility in the frontier region.
The breakthrough has generated enthusiasm among residents of Ladakh and tourism stakeholders, who view the project as a game changer for the region.
A visitor from Leh said the tunnel would significantly ease the hardships faced by residents during winter months when the highway remains closed due to snowfall.

“Earlier, we had to store essential supplies for months as our area remained cut off from the rest of the country. Even during recent years, we had to stock ration for at least two months,” he said. “Once the tunnel becomes operational, our lives will become easier and Ladakh will remain connected with the rest of the world throughout the year.”
Tourism stakeholders in Sonamarg also expressed optimism, saying the project would open new economic opportunities and extend the tourism season.
A local tourist guide said year-round road access to Ladakh through Sonamarg would attract visitors in all seasons and provide a major boost to local livelihoods.

“Tourists travelling to Leh will be able to visit throughout the year. This will create more business opportunities and improve the economic condition of people dependent on tourism,” he said.
Spread over a total project length of nearly 31 kilometres, including approach roads and bridges, the Zojila Tunnel project is regarded as one of India’s most significant infrastructure achievements in the Himalayan region.
Besides ensuring seamless connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, it is expected to strengthen logistics, emergency response capabilities and strategic preparedness along one of the country’s most sensitive border corridors.