KARGIL: The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, today inspected the Eastern Portal of the Zoji-La Tunnel during his visit to Drass to review the progress of one of the region’s most critical infrastructure projects.
During the inspection, officials informed the Lieutenant Governor that the tunnel—being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited at a sanctioned cost of ₹6,808.69 crore—is expected to be completed by February 2028, with the breakthrough anticipated by mid-2026.
The project includes advanced engineering components such as lay-bys at every 750 metres and three ventilation shafts to ensure operational safety and efficiency. Officials also highlighted the use of the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) for excavation from both portals, though poor rock quality in certain sections has slowed progress.
Expressing satisfaction over the pace of work, the Lieutenant Governor directed officials to expedite construction while ensuring the highest safety standards. He described the project as one of the dream initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised the workforce for their dedication in challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Upon completion, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, significantly boosting tourism, strengthening economic activity, and enhancing strategic mobility in the region.
