CM Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Witness Historic Zojila Tunnel Breakthrough
Minimarg (Drass), Ladakh, June 9 (PTK): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday accompanied Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during the historic breakthrough ceremony of the strategically significant Zojila Tunnel, marking a major milestone in one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
The breakthrough was achieved after the successful connection of both ends of the tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, bringing the project a significant step closer to completion.
The ceremonial breakthrough was initiated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari through a remote-triggered blasting mechanism at the East Portal near Minimarg in Ladakh. The event was witnessed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior civil and military officials, and representatives associated with the project.
Once completed, the Zojila Tunnel will provide an all-weather road link between Kashmir and Ladakh, drastically reducing travel time across the snow-bound Zojila Pass from approximately one to one-and-a-half hours to nearly 15 minutes.
The tunnel, regarded as one of the most strategically important infrastructure projects in the country, measures 13.153 kilometres in length, 9.5 metres in width, and 7.57 metres in height. Constructed at an altitude of around 11,578 feet above sea level, it is a horseshoe-shaped, single-tube, two-lane tunnel designed to ensure uninterrupted connectivity even during harsh winter conditions.
The project is being executed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the Zojila Tunnel as a transformative project that would significantly improve the lives of people living in the region.
He said the tunnel would enhance access to healthcare, education, markets and employment opportunities while giving a major boost to tourism, trade and overall economic activity.
“This project will bring changes in people’s lives that we may not fully comprehend today. It will strengthen connectivity and improve access to essential services for generations to come,” the Chief Minister said.
Omar Abdullah welcomed the breakthrough as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people and urged the concerned agencies to expedite the remaining works so that the tunnel can be made operational at the earliest.
Highlighting broader connectivity concerns, the Chief Minister also raised the issue of air connectivity for Kargil and said that despite several efforts, the demand remains unfulfilled.
Referring to the matter, he urged the Union Minister to support the establishment of regular flight services for Kargil, expressing hope that the long-pending aspiration of the region would soon be realized.
The Chief Minister congratulated the people of Drass and Ladakh and appreciated the efforts of engineers, workers, officials and all stakeholders involved in executing the challenging project.
Among others present on the occasion were Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Member of Parliament Ladakh Haji Mohd Haneefa Jan, senior civil administration officials, military officers and project authorities.(PTK)
