Zojila, June 9 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday termed the Zojila Tunnel breakthrough a "historic milestone," saying it fulfils a long-cherished goal of ensuring year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.

Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, CM Omar congratulated the people of Ladakh and thanked Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and his team for advancing the project to a stage where all-weather connectivity is now within reach.

He said the closure of the Zojila axis during winters had long caused hardship, and the tunnel would transform lives by improving access to education, healthcare, tourism, trade and commerce.

"The true impact of this tunnel will be reflected in the lives of local r...