India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, a key infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and regional development.
This 6.5 km tunnel, completed at a cost of approximately ₹2,700 crore ($325.3 million), bypasses the avalanche-prone Gagangir-Sonamarg stretch, ensuring year-round access to the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg, even during harsh winters.
Strategically located at an altitude of over 8,650 feet, the Z-Morh Tunnel will significantly reduce travel time between Srinagar and Sonamarg, easing access to the Ladakh region.
In combination with the ongoing Zojila Tunnel project, expected by 2028, the Z-Morh Tunnel will reduce the travel route from 49 km to 43 km, while improving vehicle speeds from 30 km/h to 70 km/h.
These tunnels will bolster defence logistics, improve trade, and support socio-cultural integration between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the tunnel’s potential to boost tourism, positioning Sonamarg as a premier ski resort. The improved accessibility will also provide a steady stream of employment and economic growth through trade, tourism, and local business development.
The successful completion of this project, despite delays caused by financial challenges and elections, marks a transformative milestone in the region’s infrastructure.
The Z-Morh Tunnel features cutting-edge construction techniques, including a 7.5-metre-wide emergency escape passage and advanced safety systems.
The project, which began in 2015, was overseen by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and constructed by APCO Infratech Private Ltd.
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