New Delhi, June 10: The Zojila Tunnel, a 13.14-kilometer-long engineering marvel located at an elevation of 11,578 feet in the Union Territory of Ladakh, achieved its final breakthrough on Tuesday following a controlled explosion. This tunnel is recognized as the longest bi-directional tunnel in the world. Once completed, it will ensure year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, enhancing transport links and strengthening the strategic importance of the region.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah celebrated this significant milestone on the social media platform X, stating, “I celebrate this important moment with those who made it possible. The workers at the Zojila Tunnel site faced extreme heights, freezing temperatures, and numerous challenges to complete this essential infrastructure project. Their joy and pride are entirely justified and clearly visible.”
The Zojila Tunnel stands out as the longest bi-directional tunnel, promising uninterrupted connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh throughout the year, which will improve transport links and bolster the area’s strategic relevance.
Engineer Yusuf Eshtaqpoor, involved in the Zojila Tunnel project, shared insights on Tuesday, saying, “The Zojila Tunnel is special and a matter of pride for the nation. It is not only the longest tunnel for bi-directional traffic in the region but also the first of its kind in all of Asia. We faced several challenges during its construction.”
Eshtaqpoor further noted, “I believe that with the opening of the tunnel, a significant task related to safety and other aspects has been accomplished. We have completed over 11.25 million man-hours of work here without any accidents, ensuring that the construction was carried out safely and to a high standard. The tunnel is designed to last for 100 years, and now, following this breakthrough, tasks such as ventilation, drainage systems, and road construction may typically take two to three years to complete.”
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