New Delhi, August 2, 2025 : The Zojila Tunnel project, aimed at ensuring all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, has been hit by delays and cost escalations, pushing its revised completion date to February 2028 — over 17 months past its original September 2026 deadline.
In a written reply to Parliament, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari cited multiple reasons for the setback, including disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a terrorist attack near the Sonamarg Tunnel, and extended harsh weather conditions.
As of now, only 64% of the physical work is complete.
The project’s cost has surged to ₹6,809 crore, with ₹3,934.42 crore already spent. Officials say the remaining work will be closely monitored to prevent further overruns.
According to NHIDCL, the tunnel project currently employs 1,141 people — 77% of them from Jammu & Kashmir, and 28% specifically from the Ganderbal district, where part of the tunnel is located.
