A significant breakthrough has been achieved in Vertical Shaft #I of the Zojila Tunnel, where a 2.8-meter diameter pilot tunnel has been successfully excavated out of the total planned shaft diameter of 7.5 meters.
This crucial phase was completed using the precise Raise Climbing method, marking an important milestone in the construction of this deep vertical shaft. The pilot tunnel acts as a guide for the subsequent enlargement process, ensuring the full 7.5-meter diameter shaft is developed safely and efficiently in the challenging Himalayan terrain.
This achievement not only demonstrates the expertise and dedication of the MEIL Group team but also strengthens the progress of the Zojila Tunnel project — Asia’s longest bidirectional road tunnel. Once fully completed, the Vertical shaft will play a vital role in maintaining proper air circulation and safety inside the 13.15 km tunnel, ensuring reliable all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh even in harsh winter conditions. The successful breakthrough underscores MEIL’s commitment to engineering excellence in one of India’s most strategic infrastructure projects.