Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) has completed over 10% of the Zojila tunnel project work, and is aiming to complete the project by 2025, ahead of the 2026 target to boost both defence and economy. MEIL, which is performing the Zojila Tunnel, a project of national significance, is keen to expedite the project execution. The tunnel project will contain significance for the security of India and has the distinction of being Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel, and the longest road tunnel of the country. It will attract an expenditure of Rs 4,600 crore. Prashant Kumar, CGM, MEIL, told the media that works are in progress at a fast momentum. The company is expecting to finish the project ahead of our scheduled target of 2026. Zojila tunnel is the vital link for joining the Leh-Ladakh region to Jammu & Kashmir Srinagar and with the rest of the country. However, the area does not have all-weather connectivity, especially to Leh. This has adversely affected the transport sector, thereby affecting the economy of the region. The road from Srinagar to Leh is not open for the entire year, as it is not proper for vehicular movement. The current Srinagar-Ladakh highway is closed from mid-November to April. This is posing a big challenge for the Army and military vehicles movement. The Zojila tunnel project has been taken up, and awarded to MEIL in October 2020 to solve this problem. National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) ED Brigadier Gurjeet Singh Kambo said that the Zojila tunnel project would make the travel on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Section free from avalanches. Excavation works are in full swing. Once the tunnel project is finished travel between Srinagar and Ladakh throughout the year will be possible. The complete project is divided into two parts in the 33 km span. The first part includes the 18.475 km highway development and expansion between Z-Morh to Zojila. The second division includes the development of the 14.15 km Zojila tunnel project. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), an advanced technology, is being employed in these works. Image Source Also read: Transport minister reviews Zojila tunnel construction work