Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) oversaw the 13.14 km long Zojila tunnel’s breakthrough, terming it a “gamechanger from security perspective and [the perspective of] national integration”.

“From the perspective of national security, this project will prove to be a gamechanger. With round-the-year connectivity, the movement of the Indian Army as well as the supply of Army materials, equipment, and logistics will become faster, safer, and more effective, thereby strengthening the country’s strategic preparedness,” Mr. Gadkari said.

Besides serving as “a foundation for employment, economic opportunities, and better quality of life for local people”, Mr. Gadkari said, “by establishing all-weather connectivity, this project will provide new strength to regional development and national integration”.

Earlier in the day, the Union Minister oversaw the final blasting of the Zojila tunnel from the Kargil side, and termed the tunnel the world’s longest, single-tube, bi-directional road tunnel at the highest altitude 11,578 ft.

“It’s a historic day in India’s infrastructure development. Asia’s longest tunnel project, the Zojila tunnel, has today witnessed a historic moment. This breakthrough in the main tunnel is not merely a milestone in construction progress but a symbol of India’s technical expertise, engineering prowess, and indomitable resolve,” Mr. Gadkari said.

Describing the tunnel as “a crucial chapter in providing all-weather connectivity between Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh”, the Union Minister said the project had been completed at a cost of ₹6,800 crore, despite an early estimate of ₹12,000 crore.

Built between the altitudes of 2,900 metres to 3,310 metres, the Minister said the project presented a remarkable example of Indian engineering capability in some of the world’s most challenging terrains.

“Despite extreme snowfall, harsh weather, and complex geological conditions, India’s engineers and workers have transformed this challenging task into reality,” Mr. Gadkari said.

The tunnel offered unique safety measures for passengers, including a modern ventilation system, automatic fire detection, an advanced CCTV surveillance system, and cross-passage facilities for pedestrians.

“The approximately two-hour journey from Sonamarg in J&K to Minamarg in Ladakh will be reduced to just 30 minutes. This will save time and fuel. There will be a reduction in accidents and the risk of avalanches,” Mr. Gadkari said.

“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the tunnel was taking shape in the midst of the snow-covered Himalayas and is not only connecting mountains but also possibilities”, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said. “We are committed to the overall development of Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh through modern infrastructure construction,” he added.

Mr. Gadkari also announced a string of road projects for J&K and Ladakh on the occasion.

“It’s a dream come true for the people of Kargil. This milestone marks a transformative step towards ensuring all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, boosting economic growth, strengthening tourism, and bringing the people of the two regions closer together,” J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on the occasion. Mr. Abdullah urged the Union Minister to push for Kargil’s air connectivity with the rest of the country.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also attended the ‘breakthrough ceremony’. “This engineering marvel will significantly reduce travel time, ensure safer travel, and provide substantial fuel savings. It will emerge as a lifeline for the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting tourism, and providing vital strategic support to our Armed Forces,” Mr. Sinha said.

Mr. Gadkari also praised Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited’s (MEIL) managing director P.V. Krishna Reddy, project head Harpal Singh, and engineers and staff for achieving the feat. The tunnel was executed by MEIL for the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.