India has successfully completed the final breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel, a significant infrastructure project that spans 13.153 kilometers. This bi-directional road tunnel will connect Baltal near Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir to Meenamarg in the Drass-Kargil region of Ladakh. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari attended the event, marking the completion of excavation work, which is a crucial milestone in the project. Built at an elevation of about 11,578 feet, the tunnel is expected to cost around ₹6,500 crore (approximately $780 million USD) and aims to transform connectivity in one of India's most challenging mountain corridors. Currently, the route is often cut off due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather, but the tunnel will provide uninterrupted access year-round for civilians, tourists, and defense forces. The project, executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd, is anticipated to boost tourism in the region and enhance strategic access to Ladakh. Following this breakthrough, the next phase will involve finishing works, safety systems installation, and operational infrastructure setup before the tunnel opens to traffic.