Srinagar, June 9 -- June has once again brought light to the end of a tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

This time, that light shines through Zojila, a mountain pass that has framed the fortunes of Kashmir and Ladakh for generations.

The breakthrough achieved in the 13.15-kilometre Zojila Tunnel marks a defining moment in a project that promises to change everyday life in one of the world's most challenging landscapes.

For decades, winter weather dictated the limits of movement between Kashmir and Ladakh. Heavy snowfall frequently closed the Zojila Pass, cutting the principal road link between the two regions for extended periods.

Travel plans depended on forecasts, supply chains depended on road conditions, and economic activity depended o...