Zojila tunnel completion deadline extended: Check out new deadline and the cause of delay

New Delhi: Climate change and bad weather have not only impacted agricultural products and the transportation system in the hilly region of Jammu and Kashmir but have also deeply impacted major construction works in the union territory. The difficulties caused by challenging weather conditions in the hilly region have forced authorities to extend the deadline for the construction of the Zojila tunnel, a crucial project to establish all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir valley and the Ladakh region, for up to four years. According to the Border Roads Organisation, the project will now be completed by December 2030 instead of the previous deadline of December 2026.

Importance of the tunnel

The importance of the tunnel can be understood as it is significantly connected to the Zojila Pass, which is located at a height of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway and becomes unpassable during the winter season due to heavy snowfall. Following the closure of the pass, the Ladakh region is cut off from Kashmir. With the development of the new tunnel, connectivity will be improved, and regions will be linked throughout the year

The tunnel, which is going to be the longest of its kind in Asia and at the highest altitude, will significantly reduce the travel time to cross the Zojila Pass from four hours to 15 minutes.

Current status

Presently, around 40 per cent construction work of the tunnel, i.e., 6 kilometres, has been completed. The total length of the project is 31 kilometres, including the 13-kilometre-long tunnel. However, the development has been hampered by the region’s avalanche-prone area and adverse weather conditions, leading to multiple hurdles.

The tunnel is being developed using the new Austrian tunnelling method, which is widely used in Europe and North America. This technique promises high-quality and rapid construction while reducing the risk of accidents.

The single-tube Zojila tunnel, which has an 18-kilometer approach road, runs from Baltal in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir to Minimarg in Drass town, Kargil district, Ladakh.