Srinagar, March 29 -- Friday's tragedy has renewed the urgency for completing the 13.15-km Zoji La Tunnel, Asia's longest high-altitude road project. Currently at 60% physical progress, the tunnel is on track for a critical breakthrough by May 2026, with a final completion target of late 2027 to early 2028.

Engineers are working 24/7 in sub-zero temperatures to finish the horseshoe-shaped tube, said people in the know of the matter. Once operational, the tunnel will bypass the treacherous Zero Point and Dayal Slide zones entirely, allowing vehicles to traverse the pass in just 15 minutes through a weather-proof corridor, especially the avalanche prone zone which begins from Gagangeer upto Zoji La.

Chief executive councillor, Kargil Hill...