CNBC-TV18

All-Weather Access To Ladakh Moves Closer With Zojila Tunnel | CNBC TV18

The CNBC TV18 report highlights the breakthrough of the 13.15‑kilometre Zojila tunnel, a cornerstone of the Indian government’s plan to convert National Highway 1 into an all‑weather corridor linking Srinagar and Leh. The tunnel, under construction since 2012, finally saw the meeting of drill heads from both portals, signalling that the project is on track for opening within months. Key data points include the use of the Austrian tunneling method to safely bore through the fragile Himalayan geology, the deployment of more than 1,200 workers who have endured sub‑zero temperatures of –20 °C to –25 °C, and the tunnel’s strategic role alongside the recently inaugurated Sonmuk tunnel. Together, they aim to eliminate the two‑to‑three‑month seasonal closures that currently cripple transport in the region. The report quotes on‑site observations of relentless labor, noting that despite avalanches and harsh weather, work never stopped. The breakthrough, achieved from both east and west portals, is presented as a “bright story” for the people of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, the armed forces, and the tourism sector, with the tunnel expected to serve military logistics first, followed by civilian traffic. If completed as planned, the Zojila tunnel will provide year‑round access for military supplies, boost tourism to destinations like Sonmuk and Leh, and stimulate broader economic development in the high‑altitude region, reinforcing national security and regional integration.