New Delhi:The Centre has taken another major step towards creating an all-weather road corridor to Ladakh, initiating the bidding process for the construction of twin tunnels beneath the strategically significant Fotu La Pass on National Highway-1.
The move comes as the long-awaited Zojila Tunnel approaches a key construction milestone, with a breakthrough ceremony scheduled next week. Together, the two projects are expected to transform the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway into a reliable year-round transportation corridor, reducing disruptions caused by severe weather and heavy snowfall.
The proposed Fotu La Tunnel project is estimated to cost Rs 824 crore and is expected to be completed within three years. It involves the construction of twin uni-directional tunnels, each nearly two kilometres long, along with approach roads, covering a total project length of approximately 2.65 kilometres.
Located at an altitude of about 4,108 metres, Fotu La is the highest point on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway and one of the most challenging stretches of NH-1. Heavy snowfall, ice formation, steep gradients and sharp mountain turns frequently disrupt traffic movement, particularly during winter months when snow accumulation can reach several feet.
By taking traffic beneath the mountain rather than across the exposed pass, the tunnel is expected to significantly improve road reliability, shorten travel time and reduce weather-related closures. The project will also lower the burden of continuous snow-clearance operations that currently consume considerable resources during winter.
Beyond civilian convenience, the tunnel carries major strategic importance. NH-1 serves as a critical supply route for the movement of military personnel, equipment, fuel and logistics to forward areas in Ladakh. Since the 2020 military standoff along the Line of Actual Control, strengthening connectivity to the region has become a key national priority.
Meanwhile, the 13.15-km Zojila Tunnel, being built at an estimated cost of around Rs 7,000 crore, is progressing toward completion and is expected to become one of Asia’s longest road tunnels when operational. Together, the Zojila and Fotu La tunnels form part of a broader strategy to eliminate weather bottlenecks, improve economic connectivity and ensure uninterrupted access to one of India’s most strategically important frontier regions.
