Fotu La Tunnel Project

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has initiated the bidding process for the construction of twin uni-directional tunnels across the strategically important Fotu La Pass on National Highway-1. 

About the Fotu La Tunnel Project 

• The project involves the construction of twin uni-directional tunnels beneath Fotu La Pass.
• It is part of efforts to improve year-round connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh.
• The Union Government had allocated funds for the project in May 2026.

About Fotu La Pass 

• Fotu La is located in the Ladakh region on the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh highway.
• It lies on National Highway-1 (NH-1), the principal road connecting Kashmir with Ladakh.

• It is the highest point on the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh highway.
• The pass is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,108 metres (13,478 feet) above sea level.

• NH-1 is the only major road artery linking Srinagar with Kargil and Leh.
• The Zojila Tunnel and the proposed Fotu La Tunnel together are expected to transform NH-1 into an all-weather strategic corridor.
• The Zojila Tunnel is being developed at an estimated cost of about ₹7,000 crore.

Source: News 18