The 13.15-km-long strategically important Zojila tunnel is nearing completion, with only 210 metres of work remaining. The tunnel, which is designed to link Ladakh with the Kashmir Valley, is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore.
Once completed, it is likely to become Asia’s longest bi-directional road tunnel. The tunnel is being constructed to overcome seasonal disruptions and provide all-weather connectivity across the snowbound Zoji La, which remains prone to heavy snowfall, landslides, shooting stones and avalanches.
It will not only boost economic activity in the region but also help develop tourism and overall development in the coming years.
Usually, Ladakh remains cut off from the Kashmir Valley for more than six months every year due to heavy snowfall, landslides, shooting stones and snow avalanches at Zoji La along the Srinagar–Ladakh road.
Tunnel main construction manager Mehraj-ud-Din Lone said from the Ladakh side, 6.3 km of heading excavation and 4.4 km of benching work have been completed, while 2.8 km of final lining has also been achieved.
The project is being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited and its completion deadline has been extended to February 2028 from the earlier deadline of September 2026.
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