13-km Zojila tunnel expected to be completed by 2026-end

03 Oct 2022 CW Team

The work on the Zojila tunnel is in full swing in order to restore Jammu and Kashmir's road connectivity to Ladakh in all seasons, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Harpal Singh, project manager for Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Constructions Limited (MIL), which is building the 13-kilometre-long Zojila Tunnel, stated “The construction of the tunnel is going on in full swing and is expected that it should be dedicated to the people at the end of 2026.”

According to him, once the final tube of the Zojila project is completed, the 32-kilometre distance between Sonmarg and Minamarg will be covered in less than 40 minutes rather than four hours. Aside from that, the all-weather connectivity will be extremely beneficial to the deployed forces and the people of Ladakh.

He added, “Though the tunnel was announced in 2005, the project was later delayed. The company that got the job went bankrupt and the work was suspended for almost two years. After which the Central government made some changes in the project and restarted the work in 2020 and awarded its tender to MIL.”

Regarding the difficulties encountered during tunnel construction, he stated that “Kashmir is very cold, the temperature is negative, despite this, and 1,000 people are working day and night on this project.”

He stated that the work on the so-called Badalto tunnel will be doubled now; currently, around 2300 people work here, the majority of who are local (Jammu and Kashmir) citizens. He said that all precautions have been taken with regard to the work completed thus far.

This project includes three tunnels: Nilgarar-1 and Nilgarar-2, each with two tunnels. All four tunnels are nearly finished. There are four pools in addition to this. All of them are nearly finished. Following that, the 13-kilometre-long Zojila tunnel will be completed. The road and tunnels on Nilgarar-1 and Nilgarar-2 are still being plastered.

The tunnel's completion will restore Jammu and Kashmir's road connectivity to Ladakh throughout the year, boosting the Ladakh economy and providing people with all essentials regardless of how much snow there is in winter.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The work on the Zojila tunnel is in full swing in order to restore Jammu and Kashmir's road connectivity to Ladakh in all seasons, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Harpal Singh, project manager for Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Constructions Limited (MIL), which is building the 13-kilometre-long Zojila Tunnel, stated “The construction of the tunnel is going on in full swing and is expected that it should be dedicated to the people at the end of 2026.” According to him, once the final tube of the Zojila project is completed, the 32-kilometre distance between Sonmarg and Minamarg will be covered in less than 40 minutes rather than four hours. Aside from that, the all-weather connectivity will be extremely beneficial to the deployed forces and the people of Ladakh. He added, “Though the tunnel was announced in 2005, the project was later delayed. The company that got the job went bankrupt and the work was suspended for almost two years. After which the Central government made some changes in the project and restarted the work in 2020 and awarded its tender to MIL.” Regarding the difficulties encountered during tunnel construction, he stated that “Kashmir is very cold, the temperature is negative, despite this, and 1,000 people are working day and night on this project.” He stated that the work on the so-called Badalto tunnel will be doubled now; currently, around 2300 people work here, the majority of who are local (Jammu and Kashmir) citizens. He said that all precautions have been taken with regard to the work completed thus far. This project includes three tunnels: Nilgarar-1 and Nilgarar-2, each with two tunnels. All four tunnels are nearly finished. There are four pools in addition to this. All of them are nearly finished. Following that, the 13-kilometre-long Zojila tunnel will be completed. The road and tunnels on Nilgarar-1 and Nilgarar-2 are still being plastered. The tunnel's completion will restore Jammu and Kashmir's road connectivity to Ladakh throughout the year, boosting the Ladakh economy and providing people with all essentials regardless of how much snow there is in winter. See also: Transport minister reviews Zojila tunnel construction work MEIL to complete Zojila tunnel project ahead of completion deadline

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

IHC and Adani to Invest US$11.5 bn in Odisha Aluminium Project

Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company (IHC) will invest US$11.5 bn in an integrated aluminium project in the eastern Indian state of Odisha in a joint venture with the Adani Group, a state official said. The official said the announcement represented the country's largest foreign investment in mining and metallurgy. Officials said the venture would span both mining and metallurgical activities across several facilities in the state. The project has been described as integrated, encompassing upstream bauxite extraction and downstream smelting and metallurgy, and is intended to develop a com..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Jul 2026

Air India and SIAEC to Explore MRO Joint Venture in India

Air India and SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the formation of a maintenance, repair and overhaul joint venture in India. The MoU, signed on Friday, will examine collaboration to develop India as a global aviation MRO hub and to serve growing needs across the Indian and regional markets. SIA Engineering Company, part of the Singapore Airlines Group which holds a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India, will bring technical expertise alongside Air India's established airline operations network. The partnership builds on existing cooperation be..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Jul 2026

Assam and Centre Review Aviation Projects Push Silchar Airport Approval

Assam and the Centre on Thursday, July two reviewed a series of aviation infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening air connectivity across the state, with the proposed greenfield airport at Silchar emerging as a key priority. The review formed part of broader efforts to position Assam as a major aviation and logistics hub for the north east. Officials outlined timelines and preparatory work that they said would guide the next stages of project approvals. The Chief Minister met the Union Civil Aviation Minister at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in New Delhi and described the meeting as very productiv..