Zojila Tunnel: the nearly 14-km bi-directional tunnel between Baltal and Minamarg for all-weather Kashmir-Ladakh travel
Background
The Zojila Tunnel is being built between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1 to give year-round connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The nearly 14-km-long bi-directional tunnel is being developed at a cost of approximately ₹6,800 crore, at altitudes of 2,900 metres to 3,310 metres.
The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is executing the project.
On June 9, 2026, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari witnessed the breakthrough of the main tunnel at the eastern portal at Minamarg in Kargil district.
On completion, travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg will fall from nearly two hours to about 30 minutes.
In plain words
NHIDCL National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited — The government company that builds highways in strategic and remote regions.
Bi-directional tunnel — A single tunnel in which traffic moves in both directions.