Among the host of reasons that make the tunnel special, it will establish Sonamarg as a premier winter sports destination, like Gulmarg. Called Z-Morh because of the Z-shaped bend, it will turn Sonamarg into a year-long tourist hub. Not just will the tunnel boost tourism, the tunnel will also bring economic benefits to Jammu and Kashmir. Thanks to enhanced year-round connectivity, many more facilities for winter sports and adventure may be set up.
Located at an altitude of over 8,650 feet, the Z-Morh Tunnel will bypass landslide-prone and avalanche-heavy areas, ensuring safer and faster travel. Travel time on the 49-km stretch between Srinagar and Sonamarg will be reduced from over 2 hours to 15 minutes.
It even has a 7.5-metre-wide escape passage for emergencies.
Now, the tunnel will provide an all-weather roadway.
The tunnel is a two-lane, bi-directional road structure with a width of 10 metres.
It will also provide unhindered connectivity to the remote Baltal and Ladakh regions. This will aid smoother civilian traffic movement and enhance military connectivity on the Sringar-Leh highway, facilitating quicker movement of troops to Ladakh.
How does the tunnel boost J&K’s infrastructure network?
The tunnel is part of a broader infrastructure initiative that includes the Zojila Tunnel which is slated for completion by 2028.
Together, these tunnels will help reduce the travel distance and speed up connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh. The tunnel took 10 years to build.
Which dignitaries were present for the inauguration?
Along with Prime Minister Modi, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were also present. So was Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. PM Modi interacted with the workers who built the tunnel, lauding their dedication in completing the project despite the extreme climate and adverse conditions. This was PM Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the assembly elections in October 2024.
Why did the tunnel take 10 years for completion?
The tunnel’s work began in 2015 but faced multiple delays. The contractor Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services faced financial challenges. In 2019, the tunnel was retendered and allotted to APCO Infratech in January 2020.
