Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Ajay Kumar Mishra visited Zojila tunnel eastern portal on June 21 and reviewed the work progress.

During the visit, the MoS was accompanied by incharge SDM Drass, officers and officials of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

Underlining the importance of the Zojila Tunnel as a lifeline to the people of Ladakh, especially during the winter months, the MoS urged the concerned agency to accelerate the pace of work so that the targets are achieved in the specified timelines.

The officers and officials of NHIDCL assured the minister that all efforts are being made to complete the project within the stipulated time frame.

They appraised the MoS about the present status of ongoing works and the progress achieved so far since the start of work in December 2020.

The 14 km long road tunnel under Zojila pass between Sonmarg and Drass is under construction after the commencement of work in 2018.

Zojila Tunnel project will make the travel on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Section of NH-1 free from avalanches, would enhance safety and would reduce the travel time from more than 3 hours to 15 minutes. Once completed, the Zojila tunnel will be India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel, which is part of a mega road communication project to ensure undisrupted connectivity between the two UTs. The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Kashmir, which is otherwise hampered during winters as the Zojila pass is covered in snow and avalanches.