Drass, May 13, 2026: Deputy Commissioner, Drass, Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS) visited the Eastern Portal of the Zojila Tunnel today to review the progress of the project and to meet the officials and workers of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL).
He was accompanied by Superintendent of Police, Drass, Ishtyaq Kacho (JKPS) and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Drass, Vishal Atri (JKAS). They were welcomed at the project site by the MEIL team led by Col. A.V. Shiv Kumar, Project Manager as well as Mehraj Lone, Site In-charge, Eastern Portal; Heera Lal Pandita, HR (Admin); Ashiq Maqdoomi, In-charge, Eastern Portal and others.
The visiting dignitaries inspected the works being executed inside the tunnel and were briefed by the Project Manager about various aspects of the project. He briefed them about the current status of the project, achievements made so far and the timelines fixed for completion of different phases.
The Deputy Commissioner expressed satisfaction at the pace of work inside the tunnel and appreciated the sincere efforts being put in by the MEIL team under the supervision of NHIDCL. Further, he expressed hope for an early breakthrough between the Eastern and Western Portals of the strategically important project.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining quality standards and stressed the need for proper safety measures for workers engaged at the construction site. Besides acting as the life-line of the region, the project will prove to be a game changer for the entire Union Territory of Ladakh, he added.
While interacting with the officials and engineers of the project, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated their efforts in continuing with the works under challenging weather and geographical conditions. He reiterated that the Zojila Tunnel project is of immense significance for improving all-weather connectivity and for boosting economic and tourism activities in the region.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner met officials of some Departments as well as delegations of various villages in his office. He also had a meeting with Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vishal Atri (JKAS) and Block Development Officer Shahid Sultan and Block Forest Officer about implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plan in Drass and for designating suitable sites as slaughter houses away from human habitations as well as their scientific usage.
