Leh, Ladakh, June 6: A delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Ladakh leaders visited the ongoing Zojila Tunnel project on May 31 to review the progress of the strategically significant infrastructure undertaking.
The delegation included BJP Ladakh President Shri Tashi Gyaltson Khachu, BJP State General Secretary (Organisation) for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Shri Ashok Kaul, MLA Dr. D.K. Manyal, MLA Delhi Shri Ajay Mahawar, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, former CEC, Leh, Shri Haji Anayat Ali, State Vice President, State Mahila Morcha President, Smt. Rinchen Dolkar, Former Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh , Ghulam Mehdi, District President Kargil Assadullah along with state and district office bearers from Kargil.
Addressing the media during the visit, BJP State President, Shri Tashi Gyaltson Khachu congratulated the people of Ladakh, particularly the residents of Kargil and Drass, on the upcoming breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel scheduled for June 9.
He described the breakthrough as a historic achievement and a moment of immense significance for the region. “The tunnel will provide immense benefits to the people and is one of the most important infrastructure projects in the country. We are grateful to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, who laid the foundation stone and has been instrumental in ensuring the project’s steady progress,” he said.
Congratulating the people of Ladakh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, former Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Leh, stated that the Zojila Tunnel has long been an aspiration of the people of Ladakh and will serve as a lifeline for the region.
“Earlier, Ladakh remained completely cut off from the rest of the country during the winter months, causing hardship to the people. For decades, residents struggled for year-round connectivity, but their aspirations remained unfulfilled. After 2014, under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, work on this ambitious project commenced, creating a new chapter in Ladakh’s development history,” he said.
He added that with the tunnel breakthrough expected on June 9 and construction progressing rapidly, the project has become a symbol of transformation and national commitment towards the development of border regions. He stressed that the remaining work should continue on a war footing to ensure timely completion.
Abdul Wahid ,Councillor
Bimbhat also expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri VK Saxena, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and the executing agency for their dedication towards the successful execution of the project. He noted that despite challenging terrain and weather conditions, the project is progressing ahead of its scheduled completion timeline of 2028.
He further acknowledged the tireless efforts of workers and engineers from both Ladakh and Kashmir who have contributed to the project’s progress under demanding conditions.
Highlighting the importance of local participation, he urged the BJP leaders and executing agencies to prioritise the engagement of local youth and workers during the remaining phases of construction, including road development, lighting, drainage works and other associated activities. He emphasised that providing opportunities to local skilled, semi-skilled, and professional workers would create meaningful livelihood opportunities and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
