Z-Morh Tunnel: PM Modi will inaugurate the strategically important project in J&K today. Everything you need to know

Z-Morh Tunnel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Z-Morh Tunnel in the Sonamarg region of Jammu and Kashmir today, January 13. Situated on the Srinagar-Sonamarg road in the Union Territory, this strategically important project will play a crucial role in ensuring year-round road connectivity with Ladakh.

The Prime Minister is expected to arrive at the tunnel around 11:45 a.m. for the inauguration.

The 12 km Sonamarg tunnel project cost approximately 2,700 million. It includes the main Sonamarg tunnel with a length of 6.4 km, an exit tunnel and approach roads, a government statement said.

The meaning

Z-Morh gets its name from its shape, Z, and morh, which means turn in Hindi. The road was previously considered avalanche prone.

Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, the tunnel will improve all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh. It will bypass landslide and avalanche routes and ensure safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.

It will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, thereby boosting winter tourism, adventure sports and local livelihoods.

Along with the Zojila Tunnel, which is expected to be completed by 2028, the project is expected to reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and increase vehicle speed from 30 km/h to 70 km/hour, thereby ensuring seamless connectivity of NH-1 between Srinagar. and Ladakh. It will provide better connectivity to Baltal (Amarnath Cave), Kargil and other places in Ladakh region throughout the year.

The improved connectivity will boost defense logistics, boost economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the statement said.

Work on the project began in May 2015 and was completed in 2024. The tunnel had its soft opening in February 2024.

The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) describes the Sonamarg Tunnel as a breakthrough that goes beyond just connecting Gagangir and Sonamarg, thereby unlocking the entire commercial and tourism potential of the region.

Equipped with advanced technologies, the tunnel offers real-time updates and ensures seamless connectivity, setting a new benchmark in regional infrastructure and enhancing the travel experience.

Waiting impatiently

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on January 11 that the Z-Morh tunnel would open Sonamarg to tourism throughout the year, potentially making the town an excellent skiing destination.

I visited Sonmarg today to review the preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will open Sonamarg to tourism all year round, he said in a post on X.

Modi responded to the post and said he was looking forward to his visit to Sonamarg to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will also attend the inauguration.

Security was beefed up in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts ahead of the inauguration. Senior police officers are camping in Ganderbal district to supervise the arrangements.

The Ganderbal-Zojila road was closed for public traffic from Saturday to Monday to ensure the safety of the area.

Special Security Group (SSG) personnel took control of the area days before the visit and several checkpoints were established to monitor movements in the area.

On October 20, 2024, the tunnel workers were attacked by terrorists who entered a camp in Gagangir. The attack killed seven civilians, including six non-local workers and a doctor from Kashmir.