Zojila Tunnel: Zojila Tunnel Project achieved historical milestone, mini routes of Baltal and Ladakh connected

By Samira Vishwas On Jun 9, 2026

Srinagar. The strategically important Zojila tunnel project on the Srinagar-Leh highway achieved a historic milestone on Tuesday when the two ends of Kashmir’s Baltal and Ladakh’s Minimarg were connected for the first time after the completion of the excavation work of the main tunnel.

Nitin Gadkari blasted with remote

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari pressed a remote button to conduct the final blast near the eastern entry gate of Minimarg, officially connecting the two ends of the tunnel, marking a milestone in the history of India’s infrastructure sector. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were also present in the ceremony.

Zojila Tunnel will become a lifeline for Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir

Describing the project as a symbol of “India’s technological prowess, engineering capability and indomitable resolve”, Shri Gadkari said that this tunnel will become a lifeline for Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir by ensuring all-weather connectivity to the region. Addressing officials, engineers, laborers and workers associated with the project, Shri Gadkari said, “This is a golden period of India’s infrastructure development. This 14 km long tunnel is state-of-the-art and built as per world-class safety standards.”

Ladakh’s strength increased due to the connection of Baltal and Minimarg.

Gadkari said that during his first visit to Ladakh as BJP president years ago, people had told him that due to heavy snowfall, Zojila Pass remains closed for about six months every year, cutting off connectivity to Ladakh. “I realized the difficulties of the people of Ladakh and understood the importance of this tunnel,” he said. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given top priority to infrastructure development after forming the government in 2014. The Union Minister said, “The project had to face repeated delays before taking shape.

The tender had been approved four times earlier, but no decision was taken. When the estimated cost reached Rs 12,000 crore, I signed the proposal. Today I am happy that despite the work being done on such a massive scale, we will save about Rs 5,000 crore.” He described the tunnel as not just an infrastructure project but “a lifeline” and “an example of the technological excellence of the new India”. The Union Minister also appreciated the contribution of local labourers, saying that about 80 per cent of the workforce involved in the construction was from this region.

India’s longest and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel

He thanked the Jammu and Kashmir administration, NHIDCL officials, engineers, consultants and construction agencies for working tirelessly in one of the toughest terrains in the world. Officials said that with this success the important excavation phase of the 13.15 km long tunnel has been completed. Once operational, it will be known as India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel. This tunnel is expected to reduce the travel time between Sonamarg and Dras from about three hours to about 15 minutes. It will also ensure year-round connectivity to Ladakh.

Both ends of Kashmir-Ladakh connected

At present, connectivity with Ladakh remains cut off due to heavy snowfall and avalanches on the Zojila axis during winter. Officials said that the excavation work has been successful, but the safety system, finishing and remaining work is expected to continue. The entire project is targeted to be completed by 2028. Zojila Tunnel holds immense strategic importance for India as it will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.

India’s big success near China-Pakistan border

The area is located close to both the Line of Control with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control with China. Once operational, the tunnel will ensure rapid movement of troops, weapons, fuel and essential supplies to forward areas in Ladakh, significantly strengthening India’s defense preparedness in the sensitive border area.