New Delhi: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), India’s largest steelmaking Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking, has cemented its position as the leading steel supplier for the ambitious Zojila Tunnel project. This under-construction marvel is set to become India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel, a crucial strategic asset for the nation.
Being implemented by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the Zojila Tunnel is projected for completion by 2026-2027.
The Union Government is accelerating infrastructure development along India’s north-western border areas and has focused on improving connectivity and fostering socio-cultural integration of these remote regions with rest of the country.
A key initiative in this direction is construction of 19 tunnels in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, with two prominent projects—the recently inaugurated Sonamarg Tunnel and the under-construction Zojila Tunnel—set to enhance both civilian and strategic infrastructure.
These tunnels will not only shorten travel time between remote regions and enhance connectivity, but will also provide a major boost to the nation’s defence capabilities, especially in securing border areas
SAIL’s contribution to this challenging Himalayan undertaking has been substantial, with over 31,000 tonnes of steel supplied to date. This includes essential materials such as TMT Re-bars, Structurals, and Plates, underscoring SAIL’s continuous commitment as the project progresses. As of March 2025, approximately 70% of the work on the Zojila Tunnel has been completed.
Situated at a staggering altitude of 11,578 feet, the over 30-kilometer tunnel will provide vital all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, passing through Dras and Kargil. This significant infrastructure development on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway is expected to dramatically enhance both civilian and military mobility in the region, which often faces road closures due to heavy snowfall. The tunnel, designed as a “smart tunnel” with advanced safety features and utilizing the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), will drastically reduce travel time from several hours to approximately 15 minutes.
SAIL’s integral role in the Zojila Tunnel project further solidifies its long-standing legacy of nation-building. The company’s steel has been consistently trusted for its reliability and strength in numerous other iconic Indian infrastructure projects, including the Chenab Railway Bridge, Atal Tunnel, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and the Dhola Sadiya and Bogibeel bridges. This ongoing contribution to the Zojila Tunnel reaffirms SAIL’s dedication to quality and its pivotal role in shaping India’s future infrastructure and economic growth.