Engineers have now achieved the final breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel. The breakthrough came on 9 June 2026. The 13.15 km tunnel lies on the Srinagar–Leh highway (NH-1). Notably, it is Asia’s longest bi-directional road tunnel at high altitude. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari attended the breakthrough event. Once open, the tunnel will give all-weather road access to Ladakh.
Why Zojila Pass Needs a Tunnel
Notably, the tunnel sits at about 11,578 feet below Zojila Pass. Every winter, heavy snow and avalanches close it for several months. Temperatures often fall below minus 30 °C. As a result, Ladakh loses its road link with Kashmir. However, the tunnel will keep traffic moving all year round.
Building the Tunnel
Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) is building it. Work first began in October 2020. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) is the executing agency. Moreover, engineers used the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. More than 1,200 people worked on it, and nearly 80% came from the local area. In fact, workers survived five avalanche incidents in five years.
Route and Timeline
On one side, the western portal sits at Baltal near Sonamarg. On the other, the eastern portal sits at Meenamarg, towards Drass and Kargil. Crossing the Zojila stretch will take about 15 minutes after completion. Meanwhile, the tunnel should be ready for military use by December 2026. After that, civilian traffic should start by February 2028.
Strategic and Economic Value
Zojila is the most important pass for supplies to the Kargil sector. Therefore, the tunnel will help the Army move troops and stores in winter. Likewise, it will boost tourism in Drass, Kargil and Leh. Local traders and farmers will also gain steady market access.
Zojila Tunnel: Key Facts for Revision
- Length: 13.15 km, bi-directional
- Altitude: About 11,578 feet
- Breakthrough: 9 June 2026
- Builder: MEIL; executing agency NHIDCL
- Portals: Baltal (west) and Meenamarg (east)
- Highway: NH-1, Srinagar–Leh
Why the Zojila Tunnel Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, border infrastructure is a frequent GS Paper III and security topic. So, remember the length, the altitude and the two portals. Also, link it with the Z-Morh (Sonamarg) Tunnel on the same route. For official updates, also visit NHIDCL. Next, for a related story, read about the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway.
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