India on Tuesday achieved the final breakthrough in the Zojila Tunnel, a major milestone for the world's longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel that is set to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
The breakthrough was achieved after a controlled blast pierced the final 2.5-metre stretch of rock inside the tunnel, bringing a decades-old dream of year-round connectivity across the Zojila Pass closer to reality. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari pressed the remote button to trigger the blast near the East Portal at Minimarg in Ladakh. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were also present.
Officials of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) said the breakthrough was achieved six months ahead of schedule.
"This tunnel is state-of-art. This tunnel has been constructed with world class safety standard, and it will provide all weather connectivity to Leh, Ladakh. I visited Ladakh when I was BJP president and people told me that everything remains closed for six months and there's connectivity. It pained me to see how the locals here are facing so many difficulties," Gadkari said.
