NEWS: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways witnessed the historic final breakthrough blast of the Zojila Tunnel at Meenamargà Marking a major milestone in one of India's most strategic infrastructure projects.

ABOUT

• Zojila Tunnel is an under-construction horseshoe-shaped, two-lane road tunnel beneath the Zoji La Pass on NH-1.
• It will be India's highest and longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional single-tube tunnel.
• Connects Sonamarg (Jammu & Kashmir) with Minamarg/Drass-Kargil (Ladakh).
• Constructed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

KEY FEATURES

• Located at an altitude of 11,578 feet in the Himalayan region.
• Main tunnel length: 13.15 km; part of a broader 33-km connectivity corridor.
• Built using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) to tackle fragile Himalayan geology.
• Equipped with: Automated ventilation systems, CCTV surveillance, Fire detection systems, Emergency pedestrian passages,Dedicated maintenance walkways

SIGNIFICANCE

• Provides all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Eliminates winter isolation caused by heavy snowfall and avalanches.
• Reduces travel time across Zoji La from 3.5 hours to 15–20 minutes.
• Strengthens military logistics and border connectivity in a strategically important region.
• Promotes tourism, trade, and socio-economic development in Ladakh and Kargil.
• Generates local employment and boosts regional infrastructure.