Ganderbal, June 9 -- Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday termed the Zojila Tunnel breakthrough a "golden chapter" in India's infrastructure history, saying it will serve as a lifeline for Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir by ensuring all-weather connectivity.

Addressing a press conference after the ceremony, Gadkari said the 14-km tunnel is among the country's most significant infrastructure projects, built to global safety standards despite challenging terrain and harsh weather.

He praised engineers, workers and agencies involved in the project, noting construction was carried out at an altitude of around 3,000 metres in sub-zero temperatures, with nearly 80% of the workforce comprising local labour.

Gadka...