Zojila Tunnel breakthrough a golden chapter in India’s infrastructure history, says Nitin Gadkari
LEH, June 9, 2026 — Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today witnessed the historic breakthrough of the main tunnel at the eastern portal of the Zojila Tunnel Project at Minamarg in Kargil district. The landmark event was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and various public representatives, while Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena joined virtually to laud the milestone. This achievement brings the nation closer to realizing seamless, year-round connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, effectively overcoming the seasonal isolation of the region.
Being constructed between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1, the nearly 14-kilometer-long bi-directional Zojila Tunnel is one of the most ambitious mountain infrastructure initiatives in India, carrying an estimated cost of 6,800 crore rupees. Situated at altitudes ranging from 2,900 meters to 3,310 meters, the engineering feat has progressed steadily despite heavy snowfall, harsh weather conditions, and complex geological challenges through the collaborative efforts of workers, engineers, and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
Once completed, the tunnel will drastically cut travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg from two hours to just 30 minutes, lowering fuel consumption and reducing the risk of accidents caused by avalanches.The state-of-the-art tunnel will feature advanced safety systems, including modern ventilation, automatic fire detection, CCTV surveillance, and pedestrian cross-passages. The broader project incorporates eight cut-and-cover sections, four bridges, and snow galleries to withstand intense Himalayan weather conditions. Beyond local travel convenience, the project serves a vital national security objective by facilitating the swift, all-weather movement of the Indian Army, military equipment, and logistics, thereby strengthening strategic preparedness along the border regions.
During the event, Nitin Gadkari highlighted a massive infrastructure push across the northern territories, stating that highway projects worth 1.35 lakh crore rupees are currently underway in Jammu and Kashmir, alongside 18,000 crore rupees worth of road and tunnel works in Ladakh. Key regional developments include the Kargil-Zanskar-Padum highway, the South and North Bypasses for Leh, and proposed tunnels at Fatu-La and Kela Pass to boost tourism near Pangong Lake. Plans are also progressing for tunnels along the Manali-Leh axis at Baralacha La, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La to establish reliable connectivity on that route.
The minister further outlined four major high-speed corridors being developed to transform connectivity within Jammu and Kashmir, including the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar, Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag, Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri, and Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch routes. Upcoming strategic roads will improve access to border areas like Kupwara and Tangdhar, while new ring roads in Srinagar and Jammu are designed to decongest urban centers.
Additionally, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Greenfield Expressway will soon offer an access-controlled route from the national capital to Katra, driving economic growth, tourism, and regional integration across northern India.