The Zojila Tunnel project, an ambitious undertaking aimed at providing all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh, is now expected to be completed by February 2028, a delay from its original September 2026 deadline. This revised timeline was recently announced by the Indian government in the Lok Sabha.
Several factors have contributed to the delay. These include the COVID-19 pandemic, a militant attack on the nearby Sonamarg Tunnel site, and prolonged periods of adverse weather conditions. The challenging Himalayan terrain, characterized by severe avalanches, has also caused multiple work stoppages.
Despite the setbacks, as of July 2025, 64% of the physical work has been completed. The project has already incurred an expenditure of Rs 3,934.42 crore out of its estimated total cost of Rs 6,809 crore.
The Zojila Tunnel is being executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Once finished, the tunnel is expected to be one of Asia's longest, significantly reducing the time it takes to cross the Zojila Pass from four hours to just 15 minutes. The tunnel stretches 13 km from Baltal in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir to Minimarg in Drass town of Ladakh's Kargil district, with an 18 km approach road. The total length of the project from Sonamarg to Minimarg is 31 km.
The tunnel is being constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method, a technique widely used in Europe and North America that promises high-quality and rapid construction while minimizing the risk of accidents. The tunnel will have safety features such as emergency telephones and fire-fighting cabinets every 125 meters, pedestrian cross-passages every 250 meters, and motorable cross-passages and lay-bys every 750 meters. It is planned as a smart tunnel, equipped with a fully transverse ventilation system, uninterrupted power supply, emergency lighting, CCTV monitoring, variable message signs, traffic logging equipment, and a tunnel radio system.
The Zojila Tunnel is of strategic importance to India. The highway remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall, cutting off the Ladakh region from Kashmir. The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region. It is designed to facilitate trade, boost tourism, and enhance military logistics. The construction work is also yielding a notable socio-economic impact, with 1,141 individuals currently employed at the project site. A significant 77% of these workers are locals from Jammu and Kashmir, with 28% hailing from the Ganderbal district.
Despite the delays, officials have affirmed the government's commitment to completing the project.
