The breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel has marked a significant milestone in India's infrastructure development. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari described the achievement as a historic moment and said the tunnel would serve as a lifeline for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Speaking after the breakthrough on Tuesday, Gadkari said, "Today is the golden day in India's infrastructure history. I am happy that the 14 km-long, state-of-the-art, world's longest tunnel will be a lifeline for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh."

The Zojila Tunnel is being constructed to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh. The project is expected to improve transportation in the region, especially during winter months when heavy snowfall often disrupts movement through the Zojila Pass.

Gadkari said the approach road work linked to the tunnel is expected to be completed by February 2028. Calling it an important development for the region, he added, "This is a good gift for the people of J-K and Ladakh."

The minister congratulated the engineers and workers involved in the project for their efforts under extremely challenging weather conditions. He said they continued their work despite severe cold and difficult terrain.

Highlighting the benefits of the project, Gadkari said, "This will provide an all-weather connectivity. The tunnel has all the safety features and the project has provided jobs to locals."

He also revealed that the project has achieved substantial cost savings. According to him, the final cost of the work is expected to be around Rs 7,000 crore, which is significantly lower than the estimated Rs 12,000 crore. This has resulted in savings of nearly Rs 5,000 crore.

Gadkari expressed gratitude to all those associated with the project. He thanked the labourers, consultants, engineers, officials of the executing agency Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited, and the team of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for their contribution to the successful breakthrough.

During the event, the Union Minister also announced several new infrastructure projects for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He highlighted the ongoing development work on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and said major progress has already been achieved.

According to Gadkari, 20 tunnels on the highway have been completed, while construction work on five more tunnels is currently underway. He said these projects would significantly improve travel in the region once completed.

"After the completion of those tunnels, the travel time will be reduced to three hours from Jammu to Srinagar. It is my dream and I assure you it will be realised soon," he added.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also attended the occasion and termed the tunnel breakthrough a historic achievement. He praised the project team for completing the work under difficult conditions and acknowledged the support provided by Gadkari and his ministry.

"The way development work in J-K and Ladakh is going on, it will help increase tourism and improve national security," the J-K LG said.

Sinha expressed hope that the remaining work on the project would be completed at the earliest. He noted that the Zojila Tunnel, along with the Sonamarg Tunnel, would make travel easier for devotees undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra from different parts of the country.

In a video message, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on the achievement. He described the Zojila Tunnel as an engineering marvel and said it would play a key role in the region's future development.

Calling the breakthrough a historic event, Saxena said the tunnel would become an important milestone once fully completed. He highlighted its potential impact on economic growth and tourism in Ladakh.

"It will increase the economy and winter tourism. It will emerge as a new lifeline for Ladakh," he added.

The breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel represents a major achievement in one of India's most challenging infrastructure projects. Once completed, the tunnel is expected to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, improve travel, boost tourism, strengthen economic activity, and enhance strategic access to Ladakh throughout the year.