It will end isolation for region, say locals
Suhail Bhat
Leh, June 9: The breakthrough of Zojila Tunnel today raised hopes in Ladakh region whose people have long struggled with winter road closures and isolation.
Engineers blasted through the final 2.5 metres of rock, connecting both ends of the 13.15-km tunnel beneath the Himalayas. Once completed, the tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, reducing travel time across the Zojila stretch from about 90 minutes to 15 minutes.
For many locals, the milestone marks the fulfilment of a decades-old demand. Dr. Muhammad Salim Mir from Drass said people in the region had been waiting for such a project for generations.
“There was a long pending demand since my childhood that a tunnel should be built in this area. When the tunnel is completed, the roads will remain open for us throughout the year,” he said.
Mir said the project would change everyday life for people across Ladakh. “This is the beginning of a new chapter. From old people to children, everyone who lives in this area will benefit. Whether it is Drass, Changthang or Nubra, all will benefit from this tunnel,” he said.
He said year-round connectivity would boost tourism, increase incomes and end winter supply shortages. “I hope that when the tunnel is completed, income of people will increase, tourists will increase and other sectors will also grow. More than that, the issue of supplies in winters will end for good.”
For residents, the tunnel also carries emotional significance. Ghulam Ahmed from Goshen recalled the hardships associated with crossing the Zojila Pass. “Zojila used to be a well of death and our ancestors sacrificed a lot here for food and survival. Our elders used to say that Zojila separated fathers and sons because of the hardships,” he said.
Local businesses are also expecting major benefits. Cha, a hotel owner in Leh said year-round access would strengthen tourism and create more jobs. “It will ultimately improve livelihoods and employment opportunities for the youth as they would get more months to work and it will keep the region connected to the rest of the country,” he said.
Project officials said the breakthrough marks the completion of the tunnel’s main excavation, but work is still underway.
An official from Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), which is constructing the tunnel, called it a historic day. “Everyone’s hard work, from workers and labourers to senior authorities, has led to the breakthrough of such a big tunnel in India. It is a historic day.”
According to project engineers, excavation from both ends has been completed, while lining, electrification and finishing work remain.
Engineer Burhan Andrabi said the tunnel would be crucial for both civilians and strategic movement. “It connects two regions and two Union Territories. Ladakh, which was disconnected for three to four months, will remain connected to the rest of the country,” he added.
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