Z-Morh tunnel Kashmir — Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-anticipated Z-Morh tunnel in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development. The Rs 2,700-crore project promises to revolutionize connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh while boosting tourism and strengthening military logistics.
The 6.4-kilometer bi-directional tunnel, situated at an altitude of 8,500 feet, will provide all-weather access to the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg and serve as a crucial link in the region’s transportation network.
“This tunnel will transform Sonamarg into a year-round tourist destination, creating new opportunities for winter tourism and local businesses,” Prime Minister Modi said during the inauguration ceremony. He also interacted with workers who contributed to the tunnel’s construction.
The infrastructure project, which began in 2012, incorporates advanced engineering features, including a parallel escape tunnel for emergencies. The main tunnel can accommodate up to 1,000 vehicles per hour, with a maximum speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour.
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who reviewed preparations for the inauguration, expressed optimism about the project’s impact. “The opening of the Z-Morh tunnel will revolutionize tourism in Sonamarg throughout the year,” Abdullah stated.
Strategic Importance
Beyond its civilian applications, the tunnel holds significant strategic value for India’s defense infrastructure. As part of a network of 31 tunnels being constructed across Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh, it will reduce military dependence on air transport for supplying forward posts along the borders with Pakistan and China.
Economic Benefits
The tunnel is expected to deliver substantial economic advantages to the region:
- Reduced travel time between Gagangeer and Sonamarg to 20-25 minutes
- Year-round access to Sonamarg for tourism activities
- Improved trade routes between Kashmir and Ladakh
- Enhanced opportunities for local businesses and winter tourism
Looking Ahead
The Z-Morh tunnel is part of a larger infrastructure initiative that includes the Zojila Tunnel, scheduled for completion in 2028. Together, these projects will ensure uninterrupted access to Ladakh’s strategic border regions, including Kargil and Leh.
The inauguration marks Prime Minister Modi’s twelfth visit to the Union Territory since assuming office in 2014, underlining the government’s commitment to developing the region’s infrastructure.
As winter tourism and local businesses prepare to capitalize on the new opportunities, the Z-Morh tunnel stands as a testament to India’s engineering capabilities and strategic vision for the region.
