Main tunnel breakthrough achieved at Zojila Tunnel Project, Minamarg (Kargil)
On 9 June 2026 at Minamarg in Kargil district, Ladakh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari witnessed the breakthrough of the main tunnel at the eastern portal of the Zojila Tunnel, which will give all-weather connectivity between J&K and Ladakh.
Summary
Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari witnessed the breakthrough of the main tunnel at the eastern portal of the Zojila Tunnel Project at Minamarg in Kargil district on 9 June 2026, in the presence of J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena joined virtually. Being built between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1, the nearly 14 km bi-directional tunnel will provide year-round connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. It is being developed at about ₹6,800 crore at altitudes of 2,900–3,310 metres, with NHIDCL as a key agency. On completion, travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg will drop from nearly two hours to about 30 minutes.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 9 June 2026, Minamarg (eastern portal), Kargil district
- Length
- ~14 km, bi-directional
- Alignment
- Baltal–Minamarg on NH-1
- Cost
- ~₹6,800 crore
- Altitude
- 2,900–3,310 m
- Benefit
- Sonamarg–Minamarg travel: ~2 hours → ~30 minutes; all-weather J&K–Ladakh link
Practice MCQs 4 questions
The Zojila Tunnel, whose main tunnel breakthrough was achieved on 9 June 2026, will provide all-weather connectivity between:
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Correct answer: A — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
The Zojila Tunnel will establish year-round connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Zojila Tunnel is being built between Baltal and Minamarg on which National Highway?
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Correct answer: C — NH-1
The tunnel is being built between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1.
On completion of the Zojila Tunnel, travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg is expected to fall from nearly two hours to about:
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Correct answer: D — 30 minutes
Travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg will reduce from nearly two hours to about 30 minutes.
Consider the following statements about the Zojila Tunnel Project: 1. It is a nearly 14 km long bi-directional tunnel. 2. It is being built at a cost of about ₹6,800 crore at altitudes of 2,900–3,310 metres. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2
Both facts are stated in the MoRTH release of 9 June 2026.