- By Priyanka Koul
- Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Z-Morh Sonamarg Tunnel: The Z-Morh Tunnel, now officially named the Sonamarg Tunnel, has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13, marking a significant milestone in improving connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. This 6.5 km-long tunnel is part of the larger Zojila Tunnel project and is designed to provide all-weather access from Srinagar to Ladakh, ensuring year-round travel despite harsh weather conditions.
Located near Gagangir village, ahead of Sonamarg, the tunnel is constructed to ensure uninterrupted connectivity to Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination in the Kashmir Valley, which is prone to snow avalanches during winter. For years, the region has remained cut off for months due to heavy snow. The Z-Morh Tunnel is expected to resolve this, allowing year-round access.
The tunnel's name derives from the Z-shaped bend of the road where it has been constructed, a feature of the challenging terrain in the region.
Why Is the Tunnel Important?
The Z-Morh Tunnel is located near Gagangir village, ahead of Sonamarg. Sonamarg, a popular tourist spot, often gets cut off in winter due to snow avalanches. Now, this tunnel will allow people to travel to Sonamarg and beyond, no matter the weather.
Making of the Z-Morh Tunnel
The idea for the tunnel began in 2012 when the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) started planning it. The construction was later taken over by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which gave the contract to APCO Infratech. While the project was expected to finish in 2023, it faced delays, including an attack that killed seven workers. The tunnel had a soft opening in February 2024, and the formal inauguration took place in January 2025.
Strategic Importance
The Z-Morh Tunnel holds immense strategic value, particularly in its role in improving connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil, Leh, and Drass. Its completion is vital for the ongoing Zojila Tunnel project, which aims to link Srinagar to Ladakh via a tunnel at 12,000 feet above sea level. The Z-Morh Tunnel will not only enhance civilian access but is crucial for military logistics as it provides quicker road access to the strategically important Ladakh region, located near the sensitive borders with Pakistan and China.
The tunnel will allow the Indian Army to transport troops and supplies efficiently, reducing reliance on air support and minimizing costs associated with aircraft transport. This is particularly important as India maintains a strong military presence in high-altitude areas like Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh, which have witnessed increased tensions, especially since the 2020 border standoff with China.
The Z-Morh Tunnel is a game-changer for both civilians and the military, ensuring safer, quicker, and all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. Its completion paves the way for smoother and more strategic operations along one of India's most sensitive and challenging borders.