Kargil, Oct 07: The Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today conducted an on-site review of the Zojila Tunnel Project.
He visited both the Western Portal at Neelagarh-Baltal and the Eastern Portal to assess the ongoing construction of this vital strategic infrastructure.
Accompanied by the project team, including Mohd Yousuf, Team Leader and RE Tunnels, Habibullah, Senior Manager of the Zojila Tunnel Project, and Syed Burhan, alongside other key members, Dr. Akhoon received a detailed briefing on the project’s progress. As per the latest updates, 4.6 kilometers of the tunnel have been completed from the Eastern Portal, and 5.151 kilometers from the Western Portal, bringing the total finished length to 9.83 kilometers out of the planned 13.15 kilometers.
Expressing satisfaction with the pace of construction and the efficient use of machinery, Dr. Akhoon praised the relentless efforts of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL). He highlighted the dedication shown by all personnel involved, from senior officers to on-site workers.
Dr. Akhoon extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh for their pivotal role in bringing this long-standing dream of the people of Ladakh to fruition.
Calling the Zojila Tunnel the “lifeline of Ladakh,” he underscored its transformative potential, particularly for Kargil, as it will ensure year-round access to essential commodities and medical facilities, even during the region’s severe winters.
He also expressed optimism that both portals of the tunnel would be connected by 2025, with emergency services like ambulances expected to start operations soon. Dr. Akhoon concluded by extending his appreciation to the teams of NHIDCL and MEIL, acknowledging their dedication in executing this landmark project.
