Leaders, residents hail ‘transformative milestone’ Umar Raina Srinagar, Jun 09: The historic breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel on Tuesday triggered celebrations across Union Territory of Ladakh, with political leaders, public representatives, religious organisations, and residents hailing the achievement as a transformative milestone that will redefine connectivity, accelerate economic growth, and unlock the region’s vast tourism potential. The breakthrough marks a major milestone in the construction of Asia’s longest bi-directional road tunnel and brings the long-awaited all-weather connectivity project between Kashmir and Ladakh significantly closer to completion.  The landmark ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Members of Parliament, Ladakh councillors, senior officials, engineers, workers and representatives of the executing agencies. For the people of Ladakh, particularly those living in Drass, Kargil, Zanskar and other remote regions, the breakthrough was celebrated as a moment of historic significance, ending decades of uncertainty associated with seasonal road closures at the treacherous Zojila Pass.