Srinagar, November 23:
Work on the Zojila Tunnel is progressing rapidly and is expected to meet the November 2028 deadline. Retired Colonel Shiv Kumar, general manager of the project company, MEIL, stated on Saturday that work on the tunnel began in October-November 2020, but was halted due to extreme cold.
After the weather improved in 2021, work accelerated, and excavation began simultaneously on both the Kashmir and Ladakh sides.
He explained that only 250 meters of excavation remains on one side of the 13-kilometer main tunnel. The remaining work is complete, and the team is working on schedule. The project is divided into two major parts.
The first section is the 17-km approach road from the Sonamarg Tunnel to the western portal of the Zojila Main Tunnel.
Colonel Kumar said that the Zojila Pass remains cut off due to heavy snowfall. Located at an altitude of 11,850 feet, the pass receives 12–15 meters of snow. The tunnel will become a lifeline for Ladakh, and once completed, traffic will operate 24 hours a day, 12 months a year.
This will transform connectivity, boost tourism, increase incomes, and improve the quality of life for people throughout Ladakh. He also noted that many of the project’s personnel are local. From a strategic perspective, the tunnel will also be a major asset for the armed forces, allowing round-the-clock movement. The General Manager stated that he is confident of completing the work by the November 2028 deadline.
