The Zojila Tunnel project, a vital infrastructure endeavor designed to provide all-weather road access between Kashmir and Ladakh, has faced significant challenges, leading to revisions in its completion timeline. Originally slated for completion in 2026, recent reports suggest the deadline has been pushed to 2028, and even potentially to December 2030. This extension is attributed to a combination of harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and, notably, security concerns following a terror attack in the region.
The Zojila Tunnel, situated at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway, is of immense strategic importance. The Zojila Pass becomes impassable during winter due to heavy snowfall, cutting off the Ladakh region from Kashmir for up to seven months each year. The tunnel aims to provide an alternative route, ensuring year-round connectivity and addressing the hindrances caused by winter closures.
Construction of the 13-kilometer-long tunnel, which will be Asia's longest bidirectional passageway, involves advanced engineering techniques and robust safety measures. The project also includes the construction of 18 kilometers of approach roads, making the total project length 31 km. The tunnel is being constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method and will include a Smart Tunnel (SCADA) system, equipped with CCTV, radio control, uninterrupted power supply, and ventilation. Once completed, the Zojila Tunnel will reduce the time to cross the Zojila pass from approximately 4 hours to a mere 15 minutes.
However, the project has been plagued by delays. The region's avalanche-prone nature and adverse weather conditions have led to multiple work stoppages. Sub-zero temperatures, sometimes dipping below -20 degrees Celsius, and heavy snowfall, accumulating up to several feet, make construction incredibly challenging. The harsh conditions affect both human performance and machinery efficiency, necessitating careful management of workers' health and acclimatization. Logistical hurdles in transporting materials and mobilizing manpower further compound the difficulties.
In addition to the environmental challenges, security concerns have also impacted the project timeline. In October 2024, a terror attack near Sonamarg targeted construction workers associated with the Z-Morh tunnel, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including a doctor and migrant workers. While the victims were associated with the Z-Morh tunnel, the incident highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure projects in the region and prompted increased security measures, inevitably affecting the pace of work. One of the terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev was allegedly involved in the Sonamarg Tunnel attack.
Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made. As of March 2025, approximately 70% of the Zojila Tunnel's construction was complete. This includes excavation work, bridge and road construction, and the creation of several mini-tunnels ahead of the main tunnel. Officials anticipate connecting Kashmir with Ladakh in any condition by December 2025, with the tunnel initially serving health emergencies and defense purposes. The project is expected to be fully completed by early 2027. However, other sources indicate a later completion date in 2028 or 2030.
The Zojila Tunnel is expected to bring about significant socio-economic benefits to the region. By providing all-weather connectivity, the tunnel will boost tourism, trade, and economic activity in Ladakh. It will also facilitate the movement of goods, medical supplies, and essential services to Ladakh, reducing the region's dependence on airlifts during winter. Furthermore, the tunnel holds immense strategic importance for India's defense preparedness, ensuring the swift movement of troops and military equipment to the border region.
