Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ready to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, a big infrastructure challenge in Jammu and Kashmir that can guarantee all-weather connectivity between Kashmir, Sonamarg, and Ladakh.
The 6.5-kilometer tunnel, situated within the Gagangir space of Ganderbal district alongside the Srinagar-Leh freeway, has been constructed at a value of Rs 2,400 crore. This shall be Modi’s first go to to Jammu and Kashmir for the reason that 2024 meeting elections and the formation of an elected authorities within the Union Territory.
The tunnel has been inbuilt an avalanche-prone area the place the street to Sonamarg is commonly blocked throughout winter months. This strategically essential tunnel will enable year-round entry to Sonamarg, a preferred vacationer vacation spot in Kashmir, and can play a key position in facilitating journey to Ladakh as soon as the Zojila tunnel is accomplished.
Named after the Z-shaped street on the tunnel’s location, the Z-Morh tunnel goals to reinforce connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, and finally Ladakh, as soon as the Zojila tunnel is completed. The street, located at over 8,500 toes above sea degree, is very weak to winter climate situations, making the tunnel an important resolution to those challenges.
The tunnel holds each strategic and financial significance for the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Whereas it ensures uninterrupted entry to Sonamarg, it additionally strengthens the connection between Ladakh and the remainder of India. The tunnel’s strategic significance is heightened by Ladakh’s proximity to delicate border areas, offering faster and extra dependable entry for army personnel. The Zojila tunnel, anticipated to be accomplished by December 2026, will additional improve this connectivity by linking Sonamarg with Drass in Ladakh.
Building of the tunnel started in 2012 by the Border Roads Group (BRO), and the challenge was initially awarded to Tunnelways Restricted. Nevertheless, it was later taken over by the Nationwide Highways and Infrastructure Improvement Company Ltd (NHIDCL), which re-awarded the challenge via tenders. The contract was secured by APCO Infratech, which is executing the challenge via a particular goal car, APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Personal Restricted. The tunnel is now anticipated to be accomplished at a revised value of Rs 2,680 crore, essential for each civilian and army motion to Ladakh year-round.
The Z-Morh tunnel is a crucial part of the bigger Zojila tunnel challenge, the longest street tunnel in India, which is able to allow all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah not too long ago tweeted, expressing anticipation for the inauguration of this key infrastructure challenge. “Jammu and Kashmir, notably central Kashmir, is awaiting the inauguration of an important piece of infrastructure within the coming days. The asset will show to be a sport changer for the growth of winter tourism within the valley,” he mentioned.
The tunnel’s development has not been with out challenges. Considered one of its development websites was focused by militants in a terror assault on October 20 final yr, which claimed the lives of seven employees, together with a health care provider. Since then, the tunnel has been below tight safety surveillance.
