Zojila Tunnel Breakthrough Achieved: World's Longest Single-Tube Bidirectional Tunnel at High Altitude
India's Union Minister Nitin Gadkari oversaw the final breakthrough of the 13.14 km Zojila tunnel on June 9-10, 2026, marking completion of the world's longest single-tube bidirectional road tunnel at 11,578 feet altitude. The project, completed at ₹6,800 crore (below the initial ₹12,000 crore estimate), will provide year-round connectivity between Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh, reducing travel time from approximately two hours to 30 minutes. Officials highlighted the tunnel's strategic importance for national security, military logistics, regional economic development, and tourism.
The Zojila tunnel breakthrough ceremony took place in Kargil with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in attendance. The 13.14 km tunnel, built at altitudes between 2,900 and 3,310 meters, is described as the world's longest single-tube bidirectional road tunnel and represents a significant engineering achievement in challenging Himalayan terrain. The project was completed at ₹6,800 crore, substantially under budget. The tunnel features modern safety infrastructure including ventilation systems, automatic fire detection, CCTV surveillance, and cross-passage facilities. Officials emphasized multiple benefits: reduced travel time from two hours to 30 minutes, enhanced military mobility and logistics, improved all-weather connectivity between the two regions, economic development opportunities, and reduced accident and avalanche risks. The project was framed as demonstrating Indian engineering capability and contributing to national integration.
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- The HinduCenter
Zojila tunnel is a gamechanger for national security, integration: Nitin Gadkari
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