The Zoji La Tunnel is a landmark infrastructure project currently under construction beneath the Zoji La Pass in the Himalayan range. Once completed, this high-altitude tunnel will provide year-round connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, overcoming one of the most challenging mountain crossings in the region.

Designed as a 14.15 km single-tube, bi-directional, two-lane highway tunnel, the project links Baltal in Ganderbal district (Jammu & Kashmir) with Meenamarg in the Dras–Kargil district (Ladakh) along the NH-1 Srinagar–Leh Highway, at an elevation of nearly 12,000 ft above sea level.

Technical Features and Design

Tunnel Geometry

• Width: 9.5 m
• Height: 7.57 m
• Profile: Horseshoe-shaped

Auxiliary Infrastructure

• Ventilation: Three vertical ventilation shafts ranging from approximately 213 m to 480 m in depth
• Cross-passages: Every 250 m
• Emergency lay-bys: Every 750 m
• Firefighting systems: Every 125 m

Safety and Smart Systems

The tunnel is equipped with advanced safety and operational systems, including:

• Transverse ventilation
• Uninterrupted power supply
• CCTV surveillance
• Tunnel radio communication
• Variable Message Signs (VMS)
• Comprehensive emergency response infrastructure

Construction Methodology

Excavation is being carried out using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), adhering to stringent European engineering and safety standards.

Construction Timeline and Current Status

• Project approval: 2013
• Foundation stone laid: May 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Contract History

• Initially awarded to IL&FS in 2017
• Re-tendered following the company’s bankruptcy
• Re-awarded in 2020 to Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) under the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL)

Progress Milestones

• Construction commenced: 15 October 2020
• Excavation started: April 2021
• Project cost: INR 6,809.69 crore (approx. US $815 million), including around 17 km of approach roads

As of March 2025, the project had achieved 64% physical progress. By December 2025, more than 12 km of tunnel excavation had been completed, with breakthrough now targeted for April–May 2026.

Revised Completion Schedule

Originally scheduled for completion in September 2026, the timeline has been revised to February 2028, owing to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, security incidents, and extreme Himalayan weather conditions.

Strategic and Socioeconomic Impact

All-Weather Connectivity

The Zoji La Pass remains closed for up to seven months annually due to heavy snowfall. The tunnel will ensure uninterrupted road access between Srinagar and Ladakh, regardless of weather conditions.

Travel Time Reduction

The current journey between Sonamarg and Meenamarg (Dras), which takes 3–4 hours in favourable weather, will be reduced to 15–30 minutes once the tunnel is operational.

Defence and Logistics

The tunnel is of critical strategic importance, enabling rapid mobilisation of the Indian Armed Forces and serving as a reliable logistics corridor to forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Economic and Social Benefits

Year-round connectivity is expected to:

• Boost tourism
• Improve access to healthcare and education
• Strengthen emergency response services
• Support agriculture, trade, and local livelihoods
• Promote regional economic integration

Engineering Challenges and Innovations

Extreme Climate and Terrain

Construction is being undertaken in temperatures as low as –18 °C, amid frequent avalanches and highly complex geological conditions. These challenges have necessitated robust construction strategies and the deployment of German-engineered Vögele pavers for multi-layer road surfacing.

Materials and Technology

• Over 31,000 tonnes of steel, including TMT reinforcement supplied by SAIL, have been used
• Advanced tunnel design inputs from Spanish consultants
• Integration of modern fire detection, ventilation, and safety systems aligned with international best practices

Looking Ahead

Following the planned excavation breakthrough in mid-2026, construction efforts will focus on tunnel lining, installation of electromechanical and safety systems, pavement works, and final commissioning.

Upon completion, the Zoji La Tunnel will become Asia’s longest high-altitude highway tunnel, marking a major milestone in Himalayan infrastructure development.

This monumental project reflects India’s determination to connect its remote mountain regions, ensuring year-round civilian mobility, economic development, and strengthened defence preparedness in one of the world’s most demanding environments. For further information please visit the tunnelbuilder archive.