MINIMARG (LADAKH), June 09, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the historic breakthrough in the ambitious Zojila Tunnel Project, describing it as a major milestone towards achieving year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh. At the same time, he appealed to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to help realize another long-pending aspiration of the people of Ladakh — regular and direct air connectivity to Kargil.
Addressing the gathering during the breakthrough ceremony at Minimarg, Omar Abdullah congratulated the people of Ladakh on the significant progress made in one of India’s most strategic infrastructure projects.
“I congratulate the people of Ladakh and thank Shri Nitin Gadkari and the officers of his ministry for this breakthrough, which brings us closer to the dream of all-weather connectivity,” Abdullah said.
While celebrating the achievement, the Chief Minister pointed out that another important demand of the region remains unfulfilled.
“Another dream needs to be realised, that is regular and direct air service to Kargil. I had tried but without success. It remains a long-standing demand of the people of Kargil,” he remarked.
Appealing directly to Gadkari, Abdullah said the Union Minister’s leadership and influence could play a vital role in addressing the issue.
“You are a dynamic person and a doer. I request you to use your influence to help realise this aspiration as well. Improved air services along with enhanced road connectivity would greatly benefit the region,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that the successful breakthrough of the tunnel marks the culmination of decades of aspirations and efforts by numerous stakeholders who envisioned permanent connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
The Zojila Tunnel project achieved a historic milestone on Tuesday when a controlled blast successfully pierced the final 2.5 metres of rock, connecting both ends of the tunnel. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari remotely triggered the blast near the East Portal at Minimarg in the presence of J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Once completed, the tunnel will become the world’s longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at such a high altitude, reducing travel time across the snowbound Zojila Pass from nearly one-and-a-half hours to just 15 minutes.
Highlighting the transformative impact of the project, Abdullah said generations of residents had endured immense hardships due to the seasonal closure of the Zojila Pass during harsh winters.
“For decades, people faced enormous difficulties when the pass remained closed during winter months. This tunnel will significantly improve access to education, healthcare, tourism, trade, and economic opportunities for the people of the region,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the project’s future, the Chief Minister hoped that the remaining construction work would be completed expeditiously, enabling the tunnel to become fully operational and deliver its promised benefits to both Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
The breakthrough is widely being viewed as a transformative moment for the Himalayan region, strengthening connectivity, economic integration, strategic mobility, and year-round access between Kashmir and Ladakh.
