Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday witnessed the historic breakthrough of the main tunnel at the eastern portal of the Zojila Tunnel Project at Minamarg in Kargil district on June 9, marking a major milestone in India's infrastructure development and bringing the country closer to achieving all-weather connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Members of Parliament, public representatives, senior officials, and other distinguished guests attended the event. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena joined the programme virtually and hailed the achievement as a landmark moment in the region’s development journey.

The Zojila Tunnel, being constructed between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1, is among India’s most ambitious mountain infrastructure projects. The nearly 14-km-long bi-directional tunnel is being built at an estimated cost of ₹6,800 crore and at altitudes ranging from 2,900 metres to 3,310 metres.

Despite challenging terrain, heavy snowfall, harsh weather conditions, and complex geological formations, the project has progressed steadily through the efforts of engineers, workers, consultants, contractors, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and other stakeholders. Gadkari congratulated all those associated with achieving the breakthrough.

The Minister said the tunnel will be equipped with state-of-the-art ventilation systems, automatic fire detection mechanisms, advanced CCTV surveillance, and pedestrian cross-passages to ensure safe and efficient travel.

The project also includes eight cut-and-cover sections, four bridges, 40 culverts, snow galleries, catch dams, avalanche protection structures, approach roads, and other modern safety features designed to withstand the region’s harsh climatic conditions.

Describing the project as much more than a transportation initiative, Gadkari said the tunnel would serve as a gateway to development for the region.
Upon completion, travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg will be reduced from nearly two hours to around 30 minutes. The tunnel will significantly reduce disruptions caused by avalanches and adverse weather while improving road safety and reducing fuel consumption.

The project is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade, improve access to remote areas, and strengthen connectivity to border regions. It will also enable faster movement of troops, equipment, and supplies, enhancing national security and strategic preparedness.

The Minister noted that the project would generate employment opportunities, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for local communities through enhanced regional integration.

Gadkari informed that road and tunnel projects worth nearly ₹18,000 crore are currently under implementation across Ladakh.

Among the major initiatives is the Kargil–Zanskar–Padum Highway project, which aims to improve connectivity to the remote Zanskar region while strengthening strategic mobility.

To ease traffic congestion in Leh, South and North Bypass projects are being developed to facilitate seamless movement of vehicles travelling towards Srinagar, Manali, and Khardung La without entering the city.

The Minister also highlighted the proposed Fatu-La Twin-Tube Tunnel and Kela Pass Tunnel, which will further strengthen all-weather connectivity and improve access to important tourist destinations, including Pangong Lake.

He further informed that tunnel projects are being planned at Baralacha La, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La along the Manali–Leh highway, which will significantly enhance travel reliability and year-round connectivity.

Highlighting the Government’s broader infrastructure push, Gadkari said highway projects worth approximately ₹1.35 lakh crore, including completed, ongoing, and proposed works, are being implemented across Jammu & Kashmir.

He said four major high-speed corridors are under development, including the Jammu–Udhampur–Srinagar Corridor, Jammu–Chenani–Anantnag Corridor, Srinagar–Baramulla–Uri Corridor, and Jammu–Akhnoor–Poonch Corridor, all aimed at improving connectivity and reducing travel time.

The Minister also highlighted strategically important projects such as the Katra–Srinagar High-Speed Corridor, the Rafiabad–Kupwara–Chowkibal–Tangdhar Road Project, and the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri Corridor, which will enhance border connectivity, tourism, and economic activity.

A new corridor connecting Surankote, Bufliaz, Supen, Doodhpathri, and Magam is also under planning to strengthen links between the Pir Panjal region and the Kashmir Valley.

Gadkari said the Srinagar Ring Road and Jammu Ring Road projects are being developed to decongest urban areas and improve traffic circulation. Dedicated connectivity links to Srinagar Airport, the railway station, and Katra are also being strengthened.

He further highlighted the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Greenfield Expressway, which will provide faster connectivity between Delhi and Katra while strengthening economic linkages across northern India and improving access to Jammu & Kashmir.

Emphasising the importance of tunnel infrastructure in the Himalayan region, Gadkari said such projects are essential for ensuring all-weather connectivity, improving road safety, enhancing strategic mobility, and driving socio-economic development.

He stated that the successful breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel symbolizes the emergence of a New India that transforms geographical challenges into opportunities for development, prosperity, regional integration, and national progress.