SAIL Powers Zojila Tunnel Project with Over 31,000 Tonnes of Steel

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking and India’s largest steel producer, has once again affirmed its role as a pillar of the nation’s infrastructure development by becoming the single largest steel supplier to the Zojila Tunnel project—India’s longest road tunnel and the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia.

With a contribution exceeding 31,000 tonnes of steel, including TMT Re-bars, structural steel, and plates, SAIL is supplying the lifeblood of this ambitious engineering marvel. The tunnel, currently under construction, is poised to redefine all-weather connectivity in the mountainous northern regions of India. It forms a critical segment of the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway, enhancing both civilian access and strategic military logistics in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Strategic Importance of the Zojila Tunnel

Located at an altitude of 11,578 feet, the Zojila Tunnel stretches more than 30 kilometers through the treacherous Himalayan terrain, connecting Srinagar to Leh via Dras and Kargil. This high-altitude route often remains inaccessible for nearly half the year due to harsh winters, making the tunnel a crucial step toward all-weather connectivity.

Scheduled for completion in 2027, the tunnel will drastically reduce travel time from over 3 hours to just 15–20 minutes between Baltal and Minamarg. It also plays a central role in India’s strategic plans, given the border sensitivities with neighboring countries and the need to ensure fast military mobilization in the region.

SAIL’s Role in Nation-Building

SAIL’s uninterrupted steel supply to the Zojila Tunnel is a continuation of its long-standing tradition of supporting landmark infrastructure projects in India. The company’s products are not only fueling construction but are also shaping the architectural and structural backbone of the nation.

Previous megaprojects supported by SAIL include:

• Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) – the world’s longest motorable tunnel at that altitude

• Chenab Railway Bridge – the world’s highest railway bridge

• Bandra-Worli Sea Link – an iconic engineering feat in Mumbai

• Dhola Sadiya Bridge – India’s longest river bridge

• Bogibeel Bridge – India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge

The trust reposed in SAIL’s products for these mega-initiatives is a testament to their superior quality, structural integrity, and timely delivery.

Economic and Regional Impact

Beyond engineering excellence, the Zojila Tunnel project also brings with it a major economic opportunity for the region. The creation of this infrastructure will enhance tourism, reduce costs associated with transportation delays, and provide employment during the construction phase.

SAIL’s involvement extends beyond mere material supply—it is part of a broader commitment to inclusive growth, where strategic infrastructure uplifts local economies while strengthening national security.

Looking Ahead

As the Zojila Tunnel inches closer to completion, SAIL continues to deliver its high-grade steel with consistency and precision. The company’s role in this project reinforces its image not just as a steel manufacturer, but as a nation-building enterprise working at the very foundations of India’s growth and security.

In the coming years, SAIL’s steel will continue to underpin the nation's march toward robust infrastructure, economic resilience, and geopolitical strength, proving that in the case of India’s development, steel is truly the backbone.