Ganderbal, June 9: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for making the historic breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel project a reality, describing it as a landmark achievement that will usher in a new era of connectivity and development for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
In a post on X, Sinha said he joined Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on the occasion of the breakthrough and termed the tunnel an engineering marvel that would script a new future of year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
He said Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel will significantly reduce travel time, ensure safer transportation and provide substantial fuel savings for commuters and transporters.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Zojila Tunnel would emerge as a lifeline for the region under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the sustained efforts of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. He noted that the project would strengthen supply chains, boost tourism and provide vital strategic support to the Armed Forces.
The Zojila Tunnel Project comprises a 13.153-km tunnel and 17.030 km of approach roads, covering a total length of 30.18 km at an estimated cost of Rs 6,809.69 crore. The single-tube, two-lane tunnel, standing 7.57 metres high beneath the Zojila Pass, will connect Ganderbal in Kashmir with Drass in Ladakh.
Constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method, the tunnel is equipped with advanced safety and operational features, including a Smart Tunnel (SCADA) system, CCTV surveillance, radio communication, uninterrupted power supply and modern ventilation facilities.
Sinha said the project marks a major milestone in strengthening infrastructure and enhancing all-weather connectivity in the Himalayan region.
