The Impressive TimesSrinagar, Jan 8, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the much-anticipated 6.4-kilometer Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg Highway on January 13, according to official sources. This critical infrastructure development will be a game-changer for the region, significantly improving connectivity to the picturesque tourist destination of Sonamarg and contributing to the strategic aim of ensuring round-the-year accessibility to Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Z-Morh tunnel is a key component of a larger project that includes the construction of the 13-kilometer-long Zojila tunnel, which is also under development. Together, these two tunnels will establish an all-weather connection between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, an area that faces severe travel disruptions during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Currently, the Srinagar-Leh highway remains closed for much of the winter, isolating Ladakh from the rest of the country. However, once operational, the Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels will ensure uninterrupted connectivity between these two strategically vital regions. Located near Gagangeer village, the Z-Morh tunnel will link Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination on the Srinagar-Leh highway, with Kangan town in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. This will not only bolster tourism but also ensure consistent access to Sonamarg, reducing seasonal disruptions. Additionally, the tunnel will provide a vital lifeline to the local population, particularly in winter when other routes are often inaccessible.
The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for next week, will be attended by key dignitaries, including Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari; Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha; and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Prime Minister Modi is expected to address the officers and workers involved in the project, acknowledging their dedication and efforts in overcoming the challenges faced during its construction.
The Z-Morh tunnel project has not been without its challenges. In October 2024, militants targeted workers from APCO Infratech, the company responsible for building the tunnel, in an attack that tragically claimed the lives of seven workers, including a local doctor. This incident marked the first time militants targeted an infrastructure project of this scale in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the challenges faced in securing such ambitious projects. The Z-Morh tunnel will complement the larger Zojila tunnel project, which aims to connect Sonamarg in Kashmir with Drass in Ladakh. The Zojila tunnel, spanning 13 kilometers, is scheduled for completion by December 2026. Once both tunnels are operational, they will eliminate the seasonal closure of the highway, offering uninterrupted travel throughout the year. This is expected to benefit not only the local population but also the Indian Army, which relies heavily on the route for logistical and strategic purposes, especially in the winter months.
The successful completion of these projects will greatly enhance the region’s connectivity, reduce travel times, and significantly ease the logistical challenges faced by the Army and the local people of Ladakh. It marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to develop infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, contributing to the broader vision of improving the region’s economic and strategic significance.
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