Minamarg, Jun 9 (JKNS): Amid celebrations marking the historic breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel, an Iranian engineer who played a crucial role in the project described the achievement as a deeply personal moment, saying India has become his “second home” during years spent working beneath the Himalayas.
Speaking to news agency JKNS at the breakthrough ceremony, Engineer Yusuf, Authority Engineer for the Zojila Tunnel Project representing Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats (ICT) and Aryaa International Alliance Pvt Ltd (AIAPL) Joint Venture, said the successful excavation breakthrough was a landmark achievement in one of India’s most challenging infrastructure projects.
“I am from Iran, and I am proud of my country. At the same time, India has become my second home. Being associated with this historic project is a matter of immense pride for me,” Yusuf said.
He said the breakthrough reflects years of dedication, technical expertise and collective effort by engineers, workers and project authorities who continued construction despite harsh weather, heavy snowfall and difficult geological conditions.
According to Yusuf, nearly 80 percent of the project has been completed, while the remaining work, including tunnel finishing and allied infrastructure, is expected to take another two to two-and-a-half years before the tunnel is opened for regular traffic.
“We are happy that this major milestone has been achieved. It demonstrates what teamwork and determination can accomplish even in the most difficult terrain,” he said.
Yusuf added that while the tunnel is not yet ready for public use, it could potentially be utilized during emergencies if required.
The Zojila Tunnel, stretching nearly 14 kilometres between Baltal in Kashmir and Minamarg in Ladakh, is being constructed to provide all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, which remains cut off for several months every year due to heavy snowfall at the Zojila Pass.
Meanwhile, the breakthrough was welcomed with enthusiasm by residents from across the region, who termed it a historic step towards ending decades of seasonal isolation.
Mohammad Ali, a resident of Drass, said the project would transform the lives of people living in the region.
“For generations, we have faced difficulties whenever the highway closed due to snowfall. This tunnel will change everything. We are happy because we will remain connected with Srinagar and the rest of India throughout the year. It is a huge achievement for all of us,” he said.
Another resident, Hussain Mehdi from Kargil, said the tunnel would significantly reduce travel time and improve access to essential services.
“This is not just a tunnel; it is a lifeline for Ladakh. We are delighted that the breakthrough has been achieved. It will bring Kargil and Ladakh closer to Kashmir and the rest of the country, while also boosting tourism, trade and employment opportunities,” he said.
Once operational, the Zojila Tunnel is expected to reduce travel time across the pass from several hours to around 15-20 minutes, ensuring safer travel and uninterrupted movement of people, goods and essential supplies.
The project is also expected to strengthen defence logistics, improve access to remote border areas, boost tourism and trade, and unlock new economic opportunities across the wider Himalayan region.
The breakthrough achieved on Monday marks the completion of the tunnel excavation phase and stands as a major engineering milestone in one of India’s most ambitious high-altitude infrastructure projects. (JKNS)
