Zojila Tunnel to achieve final breakthrough, ensuring all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh
India's strategic Zojila Tunnel, a 13.14-km-long all-weather tunnel, is set to achieve its final breakthrough on June 9, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari overseeing the event. Located at an altitude of 11,578 feet, the tunnel will connect the Kashmir valley with Ladakh's Kargil, bypassing the Zojila Pass which is prone to landslides and heavy snow. This project, costing over ₹6,800 crore, is the world's longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at such an altitude. It will significantly reduce travel time from three hours to 20 minutes between Ganderbal and Kargil, ensuring year-round mobility, economic integration, and strategic resilience, especially for ferrying goods and military stocks to high-altitude bases in winter.
Key Points
- The Zojila Tunnel, a strategic all-weather project, is nearing completion with its final breakthrough scheduled for June 9.
- The 13.14-km-long tunnel will provide year-round connectivity between Kashmir valley and Ladakh's Kargil, bypassing the snow-prone Zojila Pass.
- It is the world's longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at an altitude of over 11,500 feet.
- The project aims to significantly reduce travel time, enhance economic integration, and improve strategic resilience for military logistics.
- The tunnel's completion will enable security officials to ferry goods and stocks to high-altitude bases in Ladakh during peak winter for the first time.
Exam Facts
- The Zojila Tunnel is 13.14-km-long.
- It is located at an altitude of 11,578 feet.
- The project cost is more than ₹6,800 crore.
- Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will oversee the final blasting on June 9.
- Travel time between Ganderbal and Kargil will reduce from three hours to 20 minutes.
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