The ambitious Zoji-la Tunnel Project is steadily advancing, with physical progress reaching 52.13% as of the latest update. Spanning a total of 30.18 kilometers, this monumental infrastructure endeavor includes the construction of a 13.153 km tunnel alongside 17.030 km of approach roads. The project’s total cost stands at Rs. 6,809.69 crore.
Slated for completion by September 29, 2026, the Zoji-la Tunnel is poised to be a game-changer in the region. Once finished, it will be a 14.2 km long, 9.5 m wide, and 7.57 m high horseshoe-shaped, single-tube, two-lane road tunnel. Located at an altitude of 11,575 feet (3,528 meters) above sea level, the tunnel will provide year-round, weather-proof connectivity between Ganderbal in Kashmir (J&K) and Drass in Kargil, Ladakh.
Equipped with advanced SCADA systems, the tunnel will feature CCTV surveillance, radio control, uninterrupted power supply, and ventilation systems, ensuring safe and efficient travel. The project’s significance extends beyond just transportation; it is a strategic asset for the Indian Armed Forces and a catalyst for economic growth and tourism in the region.
Currently, 1,043 local workers are employed in various capacities by the Supervising Consultant, Contractor, and Sub-contractor, underscoring the project’s role in generating employment and boosting the local economy.
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, shared these developments in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024. The Zoji-la Tunnel is part of a broader initiative to enhance infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with 31 road tunnels being constructed at a combined cost of INR 1,400 billion (~US$17.5 billion).
Once operational, the Zoji-la Tunnel will dramatically reduce travel time on the NH1 Srinagar-Leh Highway from 1-1.5 hours to just 15 minutes, making it a vital link for both civilians and the military. Together with the adjacent Z-Morh Tunnel, this project is set to redefine the region’s connectivity, fostering economic growth and enhancing national security.
