Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) oversaw the 13.14 km long Zojila tunnel’s breakthrough, terming it a “gamechanger from security perspective and [the perspective of] national integration”.“From the perspective of national security, this project will prove to be a gamechanger. With round-the-year connectivity, the movement of the Indian Army as well as the supply of Army materials, equipment, and logistics will become faster, safer, and more effective, thereby strengthening the country’s strategic preparedness,” Mr. Gadkari said.Besides serving as “a foundation for employment, economic opportunities, and better quality of life for local people”, Mr. Gadkari said, “by establishing all-weather connectivity, this project will provide new strength to regional development and national integration”.
Workers show a victory sign after Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and state Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha grace the final 'breakthrough' ceremony of the world's longest single-tube bidirectional Zojila Tunnel, at Minamarg, in Kargil on Tuesday, June 10, 2026.
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