Zojila Tunnel Achieves 59 Per Cent Progress, Completion by 2027–28 | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The 13.15-km Zojila Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir has achieved around 59 percent physical progress and is expected to be completed by 2027–28, according to the Economic Survey 2025–26. The report highlighted that major tunnel projects in the Union Territory, aimed at improving all-weather road connectivity, are progressing steadily.

These projects are being implemented under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and National Highway schemes to enhance mobility and reduce travel time across the region’s hilly terrain.

The survey noted that the 6.5-km Sonamarg (Z-Morh) Tunnel, located near Gagangir in Ganderbal district, was completed in July 2024 at a cost of Rs 2,379 crore. Connecting the Srinagar–Sonamarg stretch of NH-01, the tunnel provides year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Leh.

The Sonamarg Tunnel is strategically important, enabling reliable movement for civilians and security forces toward border areas. It also reduces risks from heavy snowfall and avalanches, ending the seasonal closure of the Srinagar–Leh road, which was previously cut off for nearly seven months annually.

Other tunnel projects, including the Panthal–Magarkote Tunnel, Digdole–Khooni Nallah Tunnel, Jammu Ring Road Tunnel, Bimber Gali Tunnel, and Sungal Tunnel, are at various stages of construction. The Kundi Tunnel and Naushera Tunnel have already been completed.

The survey stated that completing these tunnel projects will strengthen road infrastructure, ensure smoother traffic flow, improve access to remote areas, and support the long-term economic and strategic development of Jammu and Kashmir.