SONAMARG, JUNE 9: The engineer who oversaw the breakthrough of Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel at Zojila said extreme temperatures of minus 35 degrees Celsius and over four months of heavy snowfall were the biggest hurdles — but called the project a matter of “national pride” and India his “second home”.
“It is an iconic project, a national pride. In Asia, it is the longest bi-directional single tube at this height — nearly 11,000 feet,” said Yousef Eshaghpour, Authority Engineer for the Rs 6,500-crore Zojila Project.
Speaking from near Minimarg in Drass — one of the coldest inhabited places on earth — Eshaghpour said the tunnel will end the winter isolation of the Srinagar-Ladakh route.
“In winter time, we have temperatures around minus 35. For more than four and a half months, we face lots of difficulty due to heavy snowfall. It closes the road. This tunnel will give all-weather connectivity,” he said.
The 14-km tunnel, once operational, will reduce travel time across the Zojila Pass from over three hours to 15-20 minutes.
‘India has become my second home’
Eshaghpour, who represents Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats (ICT) and Aryaa International Alliance Pvt Ltd (AIAPL), said the breakthrough felt deeply personal.
“I’m from Iran, and I’m proud of it. At the same time, India has become my second home. I’m happy to be part of this historic project,” he said.
Nearly 80 per cent of the tunnel construction has been completed, he added. The remaining work is expected to take another two to two-and-a-half years.
The tunnel is not yet open for regular public use, but could be used in emergencies if required, officials said.
The Zojila Tunnel, being built beneath the Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, is designed to provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh — a region often cut off for months due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
Tuesday’s breakthrough marks the completion of the excavation phase, a major engineering milestone in one of India’s most challenging high-altitude infrastructure projects. Officials said the tunnel will strengthen year-round access to remote border areas and boost defence logistics.
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