Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the 6.5 km-long Z-Morh tunnel in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. This tunnel is set to revolutionise connectivity to the Sonamarg tourist resort, ensuring access throughout the year, regardless of harsh winter conditions.
Constructed for INR 2,400 crore, the Z-Morh tunnel is a crucial part of the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. It symbolises India's commitment to developing strategic and reliable roadways in the region. While construction started in May 2015, the tunnel reached completion in 2023 and saw its initial opening in February 2024.
Positioned at an elevation of 8,650 feet, this two-lane tunnel incorporates advanced engineering to provide smooth connectivity between Gagangir and Sonamarg. It features a 7.5-meter-wide emergency escape tunnel running parallel to the main passage, enhancing safety for travellers.
The Z-Morh tunnel plays a dual role:
Boosting Tourism: The tunnel ensures all-weather access to Sonamarg, a key destination for summer travellers heading towards Ladakh. Previously, heavy snowfall rendered the area inaccessible during winter months.
Improving Safety: The tunnel bypasses avalanche-prone zones along NH-1, significantly improving commuter safety, especially during harsh weather conditions. The project also includes a third lane on the approach roads, designed to streamline traffic by accommodating slower-moving vehicles and preventing congestion.
The tunnel is of immense importance for national defence, enabling the smooth movement of military vehicles to the Baltal and Ladakh regions. This infrastructure is also expected to:
Strengthen logistics for defence forces.
Foster economic growth by facilitating trade and boosting tourism.
Promote socio-cultural exchange between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) spearheaded the project, incorporating state-of-the-art technology for real-time updates and connectivity. The tunnel, designed to withstand extreme conditions, aligns with modern road infrastructure standards.
The Z-Morh tunnel will soon work in tandem with the Zojila Tunnel, currently under construction and expected to be completed by 2028. Together, these tunnels will reduce the distance between Srinagar and Ladakh from 49 km to 43 km, boost vehicle speeds from 30 km/h to 70 km/h.
