Srinagar, Jun 08 (KNO): India's longest tunnel project at Zojila, a Rs 6,500-crore strategic infrastructure initiative, is set to achieve a major breakthrough on Tuesday, with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari scheduled to attend the ceremony.
An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Gadkari will visit Sonamarg on Tuesday to trigger the breakthrough blast of the main tunnel, marking a key milestone in the prestigious project.
The 13.15-km-long tunnel, being constructed at an altitude of 11,578 feet by Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), has witnessed excavation of over 13 kilometres, bringing it close to the key tunnelling milestone where excavation faces from both ends meet.
Located around 24 km from Sonamarg and 103 km from Srinagar, the tunnel is expected to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, significantly improving access to Drass, Kargil and Leh, and boosting civilian movement, logistics and strategic mobility in the region.
In a statement, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways described the project as one of the most challenging in the Himalayas, adding that it is set to achieve a "historic milestone" with the breakthrough blasting of the main tunnel on June 9, 2026.
Earlier, Harpal Singh, joint chief operating officer of Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited, had told KNO that excavation has entered its final phase, with only a few metres of digging left before the two ends of the tunnel meet.
He said work on the main tunnel was undertaken simultaneously from the Baltal side in Kashmir and the Minamarg side in Ladakh to accelerate construction.
Following the breakthrough, focus will shift to internal works, including concrete lining, installation of ventilation systems and other safety infrastructure.
The tunnel will also feature a dedicated walkway for maintenance and emergency operations. Once completed, it is expected to significantly improve connectivity, mobility and economic activity in the region throughout the year
The project, awarded by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), has been under construction since October 2020. It is being executed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), considered a key engineering technique for complex mountain terrains.
Officials said the tunnel will also enhance economic activity and tourism while addressing long-standing connectivity issues caused by snowfall and avalanches at the Zojila Pass, which remains shut for months every year.
MEIL said more than 1,200 personnel, including nearly 80 per cent local workforce, have been involved in the project. Despite facing five avalanche incidents over the past five years-including a major one in January 2023 when 172 workers were rescued by the Army-the project has recorded 10 million safe man-hours—(KNO)