Why is the Zojila tunnel a game changer? | He explains

Vehicles drive through the Zojila Tunnel after its groundbreaking ceremony in Minamarg, Ladakh on June 9, 2026. | Photo credit: AP

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TThe world’s longest high-altitude tunnel, measuring 13.14 kilometers at an altitude of 11,578 feet, broke ground on 9 June 2026. Constructed at a cost of ₹ 6,800 crore, the Zojila Tunnel will provide an all-weather link between the Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh region, which was considered passable, up to the Himalayan region. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who pressed the launch button on the 2.5-metre-long final section, called the ground-breaking a “historic day for India’s infrastructure development and a milestone in India’s technical expertise, engineering prowess and indomitable determination”.

What makes the Zojila tunnel an engineering marvel?

The Zojila Tunnel is India’s first longest single-tube bi-directional tunnel and an engineering marvel for several reasons. The underground work was very challenging due to the difficult terrain. The western Himalayan range around Zojila Pass has been daunting for engineers and planners, as fragile geology, sensitive rock formations, avalanche-prone terrain and harsh winter conditions all complicate the project.

The Zojila Tunnel connects Sonamarg’s Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal with Meenamarg in Ladakh’s Drass district. Additional roadways, three bridges and two tunnels were constructed on the 31 km stretch in Sonamarg to ensure safe passage up to the mouth of the Zojila tunnel at Baltal. These have been designed to withstand the vagaries of winter as avalanches and snow slides are frequently reported in the area.

It is a combined system of tunnels and roadways that forms an integrated corridor between the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The tunnel is equipped with retaining dikes, protective walls and deflector dikes on a 6 km section to protect against snow storms. It will have automatic and emergency lighting, emergency telephone, message signaling and radio to ensure passenger safety.

Why is this an unforgettable project for engineers?

The tunnel was driven in extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees Celsius on the Kashmir side and minus 30 degrees Celsius on the Drass side. Official estimates indicated that extreme weather conditions prevailed nearly 100 days a year. Then there were the avalanche hazards: five large avalanches left two workers dead and more than 172 workers stranded and later rescued. The accumulation of snow was dealt with by a fleet of small and large snowblowers. Officials said the rock classification also changed 67 times over the 13 km stretch, “constantly changing between good and bad formations.”

Why is the tunnel important for strategic connectivity?

India has witnessed repeated military confrontations with China and Pakistan since 1947, particularly in the Ladakh and Kashmir regions, notably in 1962 and 1999. A full-scale Indian military response has always been hampered by lack of connectivity and poor mobility of men and material in the region, both along the Line of Control in the west and east of the Line of Actual Control in the east. Officials believe restricted movement of military vehicles led to the delay. The Zojila tunnel is now expected to provide year-round transport access to Indian forces stationed in Ladakh, significantly improving mobility, logistics reliability and strategic access in the border region. That is why Mr Gadkari described it as a “game changer from the security and national integration perspective”.

What does this mean for locals?

Ladakh has always been cut off from the Kashmir valley during winter. Heavy snowfall and landslides often closed Zojila Pass for 4–6 months. There are also frequent reports of deaths of commuters at Zojila Pass due to rain-triggered landslides and avalanches that occur during sunny winters. All this led to serious hardships for the patients and students of the Kargil-Drass range. Supplies would run out, but the problem could not be solved due to the road closure. Locals relied on sun-dried vegetables and grains during the winter. It is now expected to be movement of people and goods and no more weather-related isolation for the region. In addition, the tunnel will focus on activities such as adventure tourism and skiing in Drass, which will contribute to the economy.

When will the tunnel open to civilians?

Despite the breakthrough, the tunnel is likely to take two years to become fully operational. Water leaks, benches and electronic layout are still being worked out. However, officials said the tunnel could be opened in an emergency, especially for security forces.

The tunnel will also help pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra, whose base camp is in Baltal. Officials said vehicles can travel at speeds of 80 km per hour through the tunnel. Earlier, drivers could not drive more than 30-40 km per hour in Zojila pass due to steep roads and hairpin bends.

Officials said the project is moving closer to its long-anticipated goal of seamless all-weather connectivity that will promote long-term benefits in terms of mobility, economic integration and strategic resilience.

Published – 14 Jun 2026 02:35 IST