Srinagar, June 9, KNT: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the Zojila Tunnel would bring transformative changes to the lives of people in Kashmir and Ladakh, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, tourism, trade, and connectivity.
His remarks came after the successful final breakthrough of the historic Zojila Tunnel, a major infrastructure milestone that brings the strategically significant project a step closer to completion.
Addressing the gathering at the breakthrough event, Omar Abdullah said the true significance of the tunnel could best be understood by the people who stand to benefit from it directly.
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“You will realize the impact this will have on people’s lives when you hear it from the people here. Whether it is students being able to access education more easily, patients reaching hospitals more conveniently, or in terms of the development of tourism, trade and commerce, in every respect, the construction of this tunnel will bring such an improvement in the lives of the people here that it may be difficult for us to fully understand its impact today,” the Chief Minister said.
The 13.15-kilometer tunnel is expected to provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh by bypassing the snow-bound Zojila Pass, which frequently remains closed during winter months.
The final breakthrough is being viewed as a landmark achievement in one of India’s most challenging infrastructure projects, with officials expecting the tunnel to significantly improve mobility and reduce weather-related disruptions in the region.
The Chief Minister said the project would have far-reaching social and economic implications, helping improve access to essential services while opening new opportunities for tourism, business, and regional development.
Once completed and commissioned, the tunnel is expected to strengthen year-round connectivity between the two Union Territories and enhance the movement of people, goods, and services across the strategically important corridor. [KNT]
