SONAMARG: A 13-member media delegation from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Kochi, on Thursday visited the under-construction Zojila Main Tunnel Project to assess the progress of the key infrastructure initiative aimed at providing all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The visit formed part of the fourth day of an ongoing press tour of Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation was briefed on the status of construction, safety measures and the strategic importance of the project by officials associated with the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which is implementing the tunnel project.
Yousef Es’haghpour Rahimabadi, Team Leader of the Authority Engineer for NHIDCL’s Zojila Road and Tunnel Projects, informed the visiting journalists that the Zojila Main Tunnel, measuring about 13.15 kilometres, is being constructed between Baltal in Jammu and Kashmir and Minamarg in Ladakh.
He said the project is expected to substantially improve connectivity between the two regions by reducing travel time across the Zojila Pass from around 2 to 3.5 hours to nearly 20 to 30 minutes. According to project officials, the tunnel will also ensure year-round connectivity by overcoming the prolonged winter closure of the pass, which typically remains inaccessible for five to six months due to heavy snowfall.
During the interaction, Rahimabadi highlighted the safety features incorporated into the project and said the tunnel would facilitate smoother movement of essential commodities, fuel and other supplies to Ladakh. He added that the project is expected to improve travel safety, enhance logistical efficiency, generate employment opportunities and contribute to economic development in the region.
Officials also underlined the strategic significance of the tunnel in strengthening connectivity and supporting logistics in the border region.
Later, the delegation visited Sonamarg, where the journalists interacted with local stakeholders and observed the area’s tourism landscape.
