12km completed, Project on track for 2028 finish
KARGIL: Chief Secretary, Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, made an on-site visit to the Eastern portal of the strategic Zojila Tunnel to take stock of the ongoing construction work on one of India’s most challenging high-altitude infrastructure projects.
During the inspection, he held detailed discussions with NHIDCL officials, including Project Manager (MEIL) Col. A.K. Shiv Kumar, ICT Team Leader Yousuf Es’hagpour, engineers, and workers on the ground.
Officials expressed confidence that the much-awaited main tunnel breakthrough is on track for April 2026.
The team briefed him on the latest milestones: approximately 12 km of the tunnel has already been excavated, with around 1,200 metres still under active execution.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by SDM Drass, Vishal Atri. Dr Kotwal was also familiarised with advanced safety and ventilation systems, including the semi-transverse air-circulation design, and the technical challenges posed by varying rock strata that cause the pace of work to fluctuate.
The project remains targeted for full completion by February 2028, marking a major step toward all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh and with the rest of the nation.
Engineers also explained the challenges posed by the altitude and terrain of the Zojila axis, noting that an average of 2.5 to 3 meters of excavation is achieved per day, while the stitching and stabilization process requires additional time.
They reiterated that, in case of emergencies involving critical patients, an early breakthrough by next April is expected to provide significant relief.
Dr. Kotwal appreciated the dedication and hard work of the workforce and encouraged them to achieve the breakthrough at the earliest for the benefit of the people of Ladakh. He noted that the Zojila Tunnel will be one of the longest and most challenging tunnels in the region, acknowledging the hardships faced by the people of Ladakh.
He also inspected the surveys conducted inside the tunnel and reviewed how the eastern and western portals are being aligned. Officers from Project Vijayak informed him that continuous measurements from advanced survey machines on both portals guide the precision and direction of the excavation work.
Overall, the visit proved highly productive, and Dr. Kotwal commended the efforts of the engineers and workers involved in this critical national project.
