New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Z-Morh Tunnel on Monday. It is located on the Srinagar-Sonamarg road in Jammu and Kashmir. The strategically important tunnel will provide year-round road connectivity to Ladakh. Ahead of the event, security forces have heightened operations in Kashmir and intensified sanitisation and area domination in Ganderbal district.
Extra security personnel, checkpoints and increased patrolling are in place to prevent anti-national activities. Sharpshooters are positioned at critical points and aerial surveillance is being conducted. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated the tunnel will boost tourism in Sonamarg, potentially turning it into a ski hub.
The Z-Morh Tunnel, an integral part of the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, has been built at a cost of Rs 2,400 crore. Spanning 6.5 kilometres, this tunnel is set to enhance road access to the Ladakh region, ensuring year-round connectivity. Construction began in May 2015 and the tunnel was completed in 2024 and a soft was opening held in February 2024.
Everything you need to know about the tunnel
This tunnel holds huge strategic importance for national defence and also plays an important role in connecting Ladakh, the youngest Union Territory of India, to the rest of the country. Located at an elevation of 8,650 feet, it features a two-lane road and includes a 7.5-metre-wide escape passage for emergencies.
The Z-Morh Tunnel will smoothen travel between Gagangir and Sonamarg, particularly facilitating access to Ladakh during the summer months. Alongside the ongoing Zojila Tunnel project, it will provide uninterrupted connectivity for both civilian and military traffic between Baltal and Ladakh.
Managed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the project has been hailed as a transformative development for the region. NHIDCL has termed the Sonamarg Tunnel as a game-changer, not just for linking Gagangir and Sonamarg but also for unlocking the region’s potential for trade and tourism.
New standard in connectivity
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the tunnel gives real-time updates and makes sure efficient connectivity. The milestone sets a new standard in regional infrastructure and enhances the overall travel experience. Once the Zojila Tunnel is completed by 2028, the combined efforts of both tunnels will reduce the travel distance from 49 kilometres to 43 kilometers. It will boost vehicle speeds from 30 km/h to 70 km/h. The improved access will not only benefit defense logistics but also stimulate economic growth and foster greater socio-cultural integration between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
