Panthal–Magarkote, Digdole–Khooni Nallah tunnels at various construction stages

Sajid Raina

Srinagar, Feb 5 : Stating that the 13.15-km Zojila Tunnel has achieved around 59 percent physical progress and is expected to be completed by 2027–28, the Economic Survey Report 2025–26 revealed that Jammu and Kashmir’s major tunnel projects aimed at improving all-weather road connectivity are making steady headway.

The report, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the tunnel projects are being executed under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and National Highway schemes to enhance mobility and reduce travel time across the hilly terrain of the Union Territory.

According to the Economic Survey, the 6.5-km Sonamarg (Z-Morh) Tunnel, located near Gagangir in Ganderbal district, was completed in July 2024 at a cost of Rs 2,379 crore. “Connecting the Srinagar–Sonamarg stretch of NH-01, the tunnel ensures year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Leh.”

The survey also said the Sonamarg Tunnel holds strategic importance by enabling reliable movement for civilians and security forces toward the border regions. It also mitigates risks from heavy snowfall and avalanches, ending the seasonal closure of the Srinagar–Leh road that previously remained cut off for nearly seven months every year.

Other key projects, including the Panthal–Magarkote Tunnel, Digdole–Khooni Nallah Tunnel, Jammu Ring Road Tunnel, Bimber Gali Tunnel and Sungal Tunnel, are at different stages of construction, the report stated.

The Kundi Tunnel and Naushera Tunnel have already been completed, it added.

According to the Survey, the completion of these tunnel projects will strengthen road infrastructure, ensure smoother traffic flow, improve access to remote areas, and bolster the long-term economic and strategic development of Jammu and Kashmir.—(KNO)