Asia’s Longest Bi-Directional Tunnel At Zojila Just 140 Metres Away From Historic Milestone

The Zojila Tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway is nearing a key construction milestone, with construction teams working from opposite ends projected to meet underground completion by 31 May. Read on to know more.

Srinagar-Leh Highway Tunnel Nears Completion

According to a report by Swarajya Magazine, a senior official of Megha Engineering Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), the company that is executing the project, told the portal that only 140 metres of rock now divides two tunnel headings moving forward from Baltal in Ganderbal, on the Kashmir side and Minamarg, located in Drass on the Ladakh side.

The official said that they are progressing. If the weather holds, the two teams will shake hands inside the mountain on May 31. The 13.153-km Zojila tunnel completion, once finished, will mark a significant turning point in a project that has faced multiple challenges, such as poor rock quality in certain areas.

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Highway Under Construction

However, officials were quick to note that important work, including road pavement, tunnel lining, electro-mechanical installations, ventilation systems, and other important safety infrastructure, is still pending and could take a few more years.

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The 14.5-km tunnel, being constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) from both standard piers, carries an estimated cost of ₹6,808.69 crore. It is designed with lay-bys every 750 metres and three ventilating shafts. The tunnel is set to be completed at the latest by February 2028.

It’s good news for the people of Kashmir and Leh-Ladakh. Are you excited about the tunnel?

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons