Why in the news?
The strategically important Zojila Tunnel achieved its final breakthrough on June 9, 2026, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari overseeing the final blasting from the Kargil side. The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
Key Highlights
- Length: 13.14 km
- Altitude: 11,578 feet
- Cost: Over ₹6,800 crore
- Connects:
- Baltal (Kashmir)
- Meenamarg/Drass (Ladakh)
- Travel time reduced:
- From 3 hours to 20 minutes
- Constructed by:
- Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd
- Tunnel type:
- Single-tube, bi-directional, two-lane road tunnel
- Geological Zone:
- Seismic Zone IV
Strategic Importance
- Ensures all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Critical for movement of:
- Troops
- Defence equipment
- Supplies to the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
- Reduces dependence on the snow-prone Zojila Pass.
- Enhances India’s strategic preparedness in border regions.
Construction Method
- The tunnel was constructed using the: New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)
Key features of NATM:
- Sequential excavation
- Immediate support using:
- Shotcrete
- Rock bolting
- Continuous geotechnical monitoring
- Suitable for fragile Himalayan geology
Q. With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements::
1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
3. Bangladesh- China- India- Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None