The 13.14-kilometre-long Zojila Tunnel, situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet in the Union Territory of Ladakh, is now nearing its final stage—the breakthrough. This marks a significant milestone in the history of the country’s infrastructure. The Zojila Tunnel is the world’s longest bi-directional tunnel. Upon completion, it will ensure all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, improving transport links and further strengthening the region’s strategic importance.
Zojila Tunnel: A Source of Pride for the Nation
Speaking to a news agency on Tuesday, Zojila Tunnel engineer Yusuf Eshaghpour said, “The Zojila Tunnel is special and a source of pride for the country. It is not only the longest bi-directional tunnel here but also the first of its kind in all of Asia. We faced numerous challenges, yet today we are on the verge of a major achievement. Only three meters of excavation remain, after which the formal breakthrough blast will be conducted.”
Engineer Yusuf Eshaghpour’s Remarks
Engineer Yusuf Eshaghpour stated, “I believe that once the tunnel opens, a major task regarding safety and other critical aspects will have been successfully accomplished. We have logged over 11.25 million man-hours without a single accident, ensuring the work was carried out safely and to a high standard of quality. The tunnel is designed for a lifespan of 100 years; following this breakthrough, the remaining work—such as installing ventilation and drainage systems and constructing the roadway—is expected to take approximately two and a half to three years.” It was a highly challenging project
Engineer Habibullah Rather stated, “This was a highly challenging project, especially in this region, due to the harsh weather conditions. Working in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees is a major challenge. Regarding its completion, the deadline stipulated in the contract agreement was September 2026. However, delays occurred due to various difficulties and challenges. We have now been granted an extension until July 2028.”
The tunnel aims to provide all-weather connectivity on one of the Himalayan routes
This project is being constructed in the Zojila Pass area, connecting Baltal near the Sonamarg hill station in Jammu & Kashmir with Meenamarg in the Dras district of Ladakh. Its objective is to provide all-weather connectivity along one of India’s most difficult Himalayan routes, which remains cut off for extended periods each year due to heavy snowfall, avalanches, and inclement weather. The project commenced on October 1, 2020.
