Project Overview

The Zojila Tunnel, located in the Himalayan Region, is a 13.153 km long tunnel developed by the Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited. Upon its completion, expected by September 2026, it will provide year-long transportation access between Ladakh and Srinagar. Currently, it takes 3 hours to travel from Shrinagar to Ladakh. The tunnel will cover the distance in 15 to 20 minutes. 

It will be one of the biggest tunnel roads in the world. It is being constructed on the complex, rocky terrain at an elevation of 11,578 feet above sea level. It is a U-shaped, 2-lane, 9.5 meters wide, and 7.57 meters high tunnel on National Highway 1. The tunnel would be essential for military movements, especially during the heavy snowfall winters when the Zojila Pass is impossible to navigate. 

Total length of the Zojila Tunnel

The Zojila Tunnel project involves the construction of a 13.153 km tunnel and an access road of 17.030 km in length. Thus, making the total length of the project 30.18 km. 

Project Background

The under-construction Zojila Tunnel is being constructed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), one of the top construction companies in India, on behalf of the National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). It is developed under the Engineering, Procurement, & Construction (EPC) model. 

Initially, the project was awarded to the IL&FC Transportation Network Ltd in 2017. However, the contract came to an end when IL&FS faced a financial crisis and went bankrupt in 2019. The news bid was invited in 2020, and MEIL was awarded the construction, operation, and maintenance contract for the 2-lane Bi-directional Zojila Tunnel. 

Zojila Tunnel Status & Completion Date

As of March 2025, the Zojila Tunnel is approximately 70% complete, with an expected completion date of September 2026. The opening date may be extended to 2027 or even 2030 due to the challenges faced during construction. The MEIL’s workforce is working 24/7 to complete the project on time. 

Zojila Tunnel Location

The Zojila Tunnel is built in the Himalayan region of India. It will connect Sonamarg in Jammu & Kashmir to Dras in Ladakh. At an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), it is situated under the Zoji La pass on the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH-1). Upon completion, the tunnel will join the Ganderbal district of Jammu & Kashmir and the Kargil district of Ladakh, providing all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.

Project Scope

• Cut-and-cover sections: Eight short cut-and-cover sections (a combined length of 2.35 km) are designed to protect travel from snow loads and geological hazards. 

• Auxiliary Tunnels & Bridges: The Zojila Tunnel also includes two mini tunnels (with a total length of approximately 2.5 km) and four bridges, totaling 910 m in length, for additional support. 

• Avalanche-shielding road structures: Roads connecting Sonamarg to Minimarg on the Ladakh route feature avalanche-shielding structures, such as catch dams and snow galleries, to protect travelers. 

• Ventilation Shafts: Three vertical shafts at approx. 480 m, 385 m, and 213.5 m depths, facilitating fresh air circulation and emergency access

• Infrastructure: The tunnel includes Emergency lay-bys every 750 m, Pedestrian crossings every 250 m, & Fire-fighting cabinets and alarm systems every 125 m.

Technology used in the Zojila Tunnel

Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) has adopted the most complex and modern methods for constructing the Zojila Tunnel. In alignment with European standards, Amity implemented the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) technology. Following its completion, the tunnel will feature automatic and emergency lighting, an emergency phone, message signaling, and a radio for the safety of passengers. 

Zojila Tunnel Project Cost

The total estimated cost for the Zojila Tunnel project is approximately INR 6,809.69 crore (approximately USD 815 million). The cost includes Land Acquisition Cost, resettlement and rehabilitation cost, Pre-Construction Studies Cost, & Four years of Maintenance and Operation Post-completion Cost.

Zojila Tunnel Route Map

Zojila Tunnel Route

The Zojila Tunnel will begin at Baltal and terminate at Meenamarg, Ladakh. It passes through the Zojila pass, which is closed during winters due to heavy snowfall, avalanches, and landslides. 

The tunnel route is part of the broader 33-km span of infrastructure development, which includes the adjacent Z-Morh Tunnel (6.5 km long, already operational) and additional highway segments. It is part of National Highway 1 (NH1), also known as the Srinagar-Leh Highway, which serves as a critical artery for transportation in the Himalayan region.

Starting point: The route starts from the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, approximately 15 km east of Sonamarg. Located at approximately 3,000 meters, Baltal is a key access point for the Amarnath Yatra and other regional travel routes.

Ending Point: It ends at Meenamarg, near Dras in the Kargil district of Ladakh, which is strategically vital for military movements and connectivity to Leh.

Zojila Tunnel Contractors  

Benefits

The Zojila Tunnel project is an innovative initiative that benefits the locals of Srinagar, provides high-level security for military movements, and ensures all-year-round accessibility between Ladakh & Srinagar. The benefits of the operation of the Zojila Tunnel are as follows: 

• Benefits to the locals: Due to the unavailability of the Zojila Pass, locals face difficulties accessing basic facilities and emergency services. Sometimes they even see the phase of Isolation. However, once the tunnel is completed, it will provide year-round service to the Zojila Pass, eliminating all these difficulties. 

• Military Security: Providing all-weather connectivity to Shrinagar & Ladakh, the tunnel ensures the continuous movement of military personnel, equipment, and supplies to forward posts near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 

• Reduced travel time: Currently, it takes 3 hours to travel from Srinagar to Ladakh. Upon the tunnel’s operation, it will only take 15 to 30 minutes to cover this distance. 

• Boost Tourism: With improved accessibility and reduced travel time, the region is expected to attract more tourists to areas like Sonamarg, Drass, and Kargil. These region offers activities like skiing, snowboarding, and winter trekking, attracting adventure enthusiasts year-round.

• Increased Pilgrimage Tourism: The tunnel provides easy access to famous locations, including the Amarnath Caves and Buddhist Monasteries in Ladakh. Thus, it is likely to boost Pilgrimage Tourism.

• Improved Economy: The tunnel is expected to stimulate economic growth in the region by boosting tourism and providing safer, more accessible routes to the region’s paradisiacal valleys and pristine lakes. It will also enhance the logistical capacity of India’s armed forces, ensuring the faster mobilization of troops.

• Preserving Forests & Natural Habitats: Since the tunnel bypasses the winding, landslide-prone roads over Zojila Pass, it reduces the need for frequent road widening or reconstruction, thereby helping to preserve forests and natural habitats.

Conclusion

The Zojila Tunnel is a transformative infrastructure project that ensures improved connectivity and security in the Himalayan regions. By providing all-year-round accessibility through the Zojila pass, the tunnel offers easy access to essential facilities, including education and healthcare. It breaks the seasonal Isolation for the locals. 

The tunnel not only strengthens India's strategic military capabilities along sensitive border areas but also paves the way for economic growth, tourism expansion, and social integration in remote districts like Kargil and Ladakh. Once completed, it will be the longest tunnel at such a high altitude in Asia, symbolizing engineering excellence and national commitment to inclusive progress.

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