Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inagurate the much-awaited Z-Morh Tunnel today, marking a significant step in boosting connectivity, tourism, and defence logistics in the region. The state-of-the-art tunnel provides all-weather access to the picturesque Sonamarg town and the strategically crucial Ladakh region.
The tunnel is a landmark project that bypasses the avalanche-prone Gagangir-Sonamarg stretch, ensuring year-round accessibility. Constructed at a cost of ₹2,700 crore by APCO Infratech Private Limited under the supervision of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the project has been hailed as a marvel of modern engineering.
Key Features of the Z-Morh Tunnel
Length: 6.5 km with two lanes.
Design:
Main Tunnel: Modified horseshoe shape (10.8 m). Ventilation Tunnel: D-shaped (8.3 m).
Travel Time: Reduces journey time from hours to just 15 minutes. Location: Between Gagangir and Sonamarg under the Thajiwas Glacier.
Transformational Benefits
Boost to Tourism and Economy
The Z-Morh Tunnel transforms Sonamarg into an all-weather tourist destination, paving the way for activities like skiing and year-round trade. "Sonamarg will now be developed as a premier ski resort," remarked Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also shared scenic images of the area during his site visit.
Enhanced Military Connectivity
Given Ladakh’s strategic importance due to its proximity to the China border, the tunnel provides a critical advantage for military logistics. It serves as the first strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh, enabling faster and safer troop movements.
Employment and Local Development
The project is expected to create numerous employment opportunities for local youth and stimulate trade and allied industries in the region.
Significance and Future Plans
The Z-Morh Tunnel is a crucial component of a broader effort aimed at enhancing transportation and connectivity within the Jammu and Kashmir region. This ambitious project is designed to facilitate seamless travel, strengthen regional infrastructure, and promote economic growth by improving access to remote areas. Alongside the Zojila Tunnel, currently under construction, the region will soon have seamless travel to Ladakh throughout the year. This development will not only enhance safety but also strengthen India's defence posture in sensitive border areas.
Prime Minister Modi, during the inauguration, addressed a public rally in Sonamarg, highlighting the tunnel’s potential to drive progress in the region. Union Minister for Surface Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were among the dignitaries present at the event.
All eyes are on this landmark moment as Sonamarg steps into a new era of prosperity and accessibility, fulfilling a long-awaited dream for locals and tourists alike.