Zojila Tunnel breakthrough marks historic milestone: LG Sinha

10/06/2026

SRINAGAR, Jun 9: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday termed the breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel a historic milestone and said the project would usher in a new era of connectivity, economic growth and development for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Lieutenant Governor joined Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways NitinGadkari at the breakthrough ceremony of the tunnel, which is being developed to provide all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister NarendraModi and the Union Minister for making the project a reality, Sinha said the tunnel would transform connectivity in the region and strengthen socio-economic development.
"Today is undoubtedly a historic day. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Under the leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi and the relentless efforts of Union Minister NitinGadkari, 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," he said.
Describing the project as an engineering marvel, the Lieutenant Governor said Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel would ensure year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety and result in substantial fuel savings.
Sinha, along with Gadkari, inspected the tunnel and lauded the engineers, technical experts and workforce associated with the project. He expressed appreciation for their dedication and efforts in executing the project under extremely challenging weather conditions and at high altitude.
The Lieutenant Governor said connectivity serves as a key driver of economic growth and noted that significant improvements had been made in road, rail and air infrastructure across the region over the past several years.
He said the ongoing infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh would not only boost trade and tourism but also strengthen national security, particularly in border areas.
Sinha also expressed hope that the project would be completed at the earliest and dedicated to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
He further said the tunnel would provide major convenience to pilgrims undertaking the annual AmarnathYatra by improving accessibility and transportation infrastructure in the region.
The Zojila Tunnel project involves the construction of an approximately 14-km bi-directional tunnel at an estimated cost of around Rs 6,800 crore. Located at elevations ranging between 2,900 metres and 3,310 metres, it is considered one of the most challenging mountain infrastructure projects in the world.
The tunnel will be equipped with modern safety and operational systems, including advanced ventilation, automatic fire detection, CCTV surveillance and pedestrian cross-passages. The project also includes bridges, culverts, snow galleries, avalanche protection structures, approach roads and other safety features.
Upon completion, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg from nearly two hours to around 30 minutes, providing significant savings in travel time and fuel consumption.

Photo Gallery

BSE Sensex

NSE Nifty