India’s Zojila Tunnel, set to become the world’s longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at the highest altitude, achieved its final excavation breakthrough on Tuesday, bringing the long-awaited all-weather link between Kashmir and Ladakh a step closer to reality.
The breakthrough at the 13.15-kilometre tunnel was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The tunnel is being constructed in the Zojila region between Baltal in Sonamarg and Meenamarg in the Drass and Kargil sector, spanning Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The route currently remains cut off for long periods each year due to heavy snow, avalanches and extreme weather conditions. 
Positioned at an elevation of 11,578 feet above sea level, officials described the tunnel as “one of the most significant engineering achievements in India’s mountain infrastructure sector.”
Once fully operational, the tunnel will ensure 365-day connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, improving access to Drass, Kargil, Leh and surrounding regions. It is also expected to strengthen mobility, logistics reliability and strategic access in a sensitive border zone.
Project developer MEIL said the tunnel “strengthens operational mobility and logistics preparedness in a strategically important frontier corridor, underlining its role not only as an infrastructure project but also as a national connectivity and security asset.”
With excavation now complete, the tunnel is expected to open to the public within two years.
