PM Modi to inaugurate Z-Morh tunnel: Security forces intensify exercise of area domination in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 12: Security forces on Sunday intensified their disinfection efforts and area domination exercises in Kashmir, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the valley for the inauguration of the strategically important Z Tunnel -Morh in Ganderbal district, officials said.

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Deployment of security personnel has been increased in vulnerable areas and dozens of checkpoints have been set up at important junctions in various districts to ensure that anti-national elements cannot move freely, they said.
Officials said random checks and searches of people and vehicles, including two-wheelers, have been intensified while patrolling is also taking place.
“Security has been increased near the Z-Morh tunnel. Multi-level security arrangements have been put in place and the Prime Minister's security team, comprising SPG personnel, has taken over the premises,” they said.
The prime minister is expected to address a public rally after the inauguration of the Gagangir tunnel, the officials said, adding that the venue is now closed to the public.
Jammu and Kashmir police, paramilitary forces and the army are part of the security apparatus for Monday's inauguration. Extensive area domination exercises, searches and patrols are being conducted for the smooth conduct of the event, officials said.
Snipers have been deployed to vulnerable points while aerial and technical surveillance, particularly through drones, is also being undertaken. The area is monitored 24 hours a day, they added.
Earlier on October 20 last year, seven people, including a local doctor, were killed in a terrorist attack near the tunnel site in Gagangir region.
Authorities closed the Srinagar-Leh national highway from Saturday to Monday “due to icy conditions caused by bad weather and to facilitate maintenance work by road maintenance agencies”.
However, it is widely believed that the road artery between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh was closed for the Prime Minister's visit.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 2,400 crore on the Srinagar-Leh national highway, the 6.5 km strategic Z-Morh tunnel will be a major step in making the Ladakh region accessible by road throughout the year. Work on the project began in May 2015 and was completed last year.
The soft opening of the tunnel was carried out in February 2024.
The tunnel is vital in terms of the country's defense needs in the Ladakh region and also connects the youngest Union Territory to the rest of the country.
Located at 8,650 feet above sea level, the Z-Morh Tunnel is a two-lane highway tunnel equipped with a 25-foot-wide parallel escape passage for emergencies.
The tunnel provides seamless connectivity between Gagangir and Sonamarg and will facilitate summer travel to Ladakh.
Apart from the Zojila tunnel under construction, the Z-Morh tunnel will ensure uninterrupted connectivity to the Baltal and Ladakh regions for civil and military traffic.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which is overseeing the project, said the “engineering marvel” was a game-changer for the region.
“The Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir is a game changer for the region, providing more than just a connection between Gagangir and Sonamarg. This engineering marvel is poised to unlock the full potential of the region’s trade and tourism sectors,” NHIDCL said on X.
The tunnel is equipped with cutting-edge technologies that provide real-time updates and seamless connectivity to users. This futuristic infrastructure will not only enhance the travel experience but also set a new standard in road connectivity in the region.
With the Zojila Tunnel, expected to be completed by 2028, it will reduce the length of the route from 49 km to 43 km and increase vehicle speed from 30 km/h to 70 km/h, thereby ensuring connectivity seamless NH-1 between Srinagar and Ladakh. This enhanced connectivity will boost defense logistics, boost economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the officials said. (Agencies)