Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, visited the Zojila Tunnel's Western Portal at Neelagarh-Baltal and the Eastern Portal on October 7 to assess the progress of this strategic infrastructure project.

Dr. Akhoon was accompanied by team leader Mohd Yousuf, Resident Engineer (RE) Tunnels, Senior Manager of the Zojila Tunnel Project Habibullah, Syed Burhan, and other key members of the project team.

During the visit, officials briefed the CEC on the tunnel’s construction progress, reporting that 4.6 km had been completed from the Eastern Portal and 5.151 km from the Western Portal, bringing the total completed length to 9.83 km out of the planned 13.15 km.

Dr. Akhoon expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction and the effective use of machinery, commending the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) for their hard work. He recognized the dedication of everyone involved, from senior officers to on-ground workers.

The CEC also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, the Government of India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh for their support in realizing this long-awaited project for the people of Ladakh.

Calling the Zojila Tunnel the "lifeline of Ladakh," Dr. Akhoon highlighted the transformative impact it will have, especially for Kargil, ensuring year-round access to essential commodities and medical facilities, even during harsh winters. He also shared his hope that both portals would be connected by 2025, with emergency services, including ambulance access, expected to be operational soon.

Dr. Akhoon extended his appreciation to the NHIDCL and MEIL teams, praising their commitment and dedication to making this critical project a reality.