NEW DELHI: A new highway will soon come up connecting Kashmir and Kanyakumari. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the new road will be ready for use by next year. The minister said this while visiting the Zojila Tunnel, Asia's largest tunnel.

"National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is currently engaged in the construction of new highways and expressways connecting various corners of the country. The new highway connecting Kashmir and Kanyakumari will be the longest to be constructed in recent times," Gadkari said.

"Connectivity between Kashmir and Kanyakumari has been a dream. Four tunnels will be constructed from Rohtang to Ladakh. From Leh, we will come to Kargil and join Zojila and Z-Morh tunnels. The new road will reduce the distance between Delhi and Chennai by 1,312 km. This dream will be realized by the beginning of 2024," he added.

The Zojila tunnel will play a crucial role in connecting Kashmir with Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India. The tunnel length is supposed to be the highest in Asia.

"With the construction of this tunnel, tourism will increase by 2-3 times and employment opportunities will also grow in Jammu and Kashmir," said Gadkari.