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Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena reviewed progress at the eastern portal of the Zoji La tunnel project in Drass, assessing construction milestones and timelines for the strategically significant corridor. The INR 6,808.69 crore project, being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd, is expected to achieve tunnel breakthrough by mid-2026, with full completion targeted for early 2028. Officials briefed that advanced tunnelling techniques and safety features are being deployed, although challenging geological conditions have affected progress in certain stretches. The tunnel is intended to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, improving mobility, logistics, and regional access. The review comes amid continued focus on expediting execution of key infrastructure projects in border regions.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena visited the eastern portal of the Zoji La tunnel project in Drass earlier this week to review construction progress and assess timelines for one of India's key strategic infrastructure developments aimed at ensuring all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. Advertisement
During the inspection, Saxena was briefed by project officials on the current status of works, including tunnelling progress and engineering challenges associated with the Himalayan terrain. The project, being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd, has a sanctioned cost of INR 6,808.69 crore and is targeted for completion by early 2028.
Officials indicated that tunnel breakthrough is expected by mid-2026, marking a critical milestone in the execution of the project. The excavation work is being carried out from both the eastern and western portals using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), a technique suited to complex geological conditions.
The Zoji La tunnel incorporates a range of modern engineering and safety features, including lay-bys at intervals of approximately 750 metres and multiple ventilation shafts to ensure operational efficiency. These features are intended to support safe and uninterrupted vehicular movement through the high-altitude corridor once operational.
Project authorities highlighted that progress has faced challenges in certain sections due to poor rock quality and difficult terrain conditions, which have affected excavation speed. Despite these constraints, work is continuing across multiple fronts to maintain momentum and adhere to the targeted timelines.
Saxena expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far and directed officials to expedite execution to ensure timely completion. He emphasised the need to maintain stringent safety standards during construction as well as in the final operational phase, given the terrain and climatic conditions in the region.
The Zoji La tunnel is a critical infrastructure project designed to provide year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, which currently remains cut off for several months during winter due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions. The project is expected to significantly improve accessibility to remote areas and enhance logistical movement across the region.
In addition to its strategic importance, the tunnel is also expected to support economic activity by improving connectivity for tourism and local businesses. The corridor connects key regions in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, facilitating smoother movement of goods and passengers once operational.
The review visit forms part of ongoing monitoring of major infrastructure projects in border and high-altitude regions, where execution timelines are often affected by environmental and geological constraints. Authorities indicated that continued oversight and coordination will be critical to ensuring that the project progresses as planned.
The Zoji La tunnel remains one of the most significant ongoing road infrastructure projects in northern India, with its completion expected to transform connectivity patterns and reduce seasonal disruptions across the region.
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