Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5 km long Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district, Central Kashmir, on Monday, a move that will ensure year-round access to the popular Sonamarg tourist destination. The tunnel is also seen as a strategic infrastructure project with significant implications for defense connectivity in the region.
Arriving at Srinagar airport at around 10:45 AM, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to Sonamarg for the much-anticipated inauguration, where he was joined by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Z-Morh tunnel, which connects Gagangir to Sonamarg, was constructed at a cost of over ₹2,700 crore. Notably, it features a 7.5-meter-wide emergency escape passage, ensuring greater safety for travelers. The project is expected to enhance tourism, trade, and security in the region.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had arrived in Srinagar on Sunday to oversee the preparations for the event.
For the occasion, a multi-layered security setup has been deployed, including personnel from Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and the Army. In addition, the area has been put under constant surveillance, with sharpshooters stationed at vulnerable points and aerial monitoring through drones.
Authorities have taken extra precautions to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. The Prime Minister’s Special Protection Group (SPG) has also taken over security at the venue. As part of the security measures, the Srinagar-Leh National Highway was closed from Saturday to Monday, with the authorities citing adverse weather conditions and road maintenance. However, this closure is also widely perceived as a security measure for the Prime Minister’s visit.
Strategic Importance of Z-Morh Tunnel
The Z-Morh Tunnel, a 6.5-kilometre-long passage, was constructed at a cost of ₹2,400 crore on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. The tunnel is expected to significantly improve road accessibility to the Ladakh region throughout the year, ensuring safer, uninterrupted access to the strategically critical border area, especially in the face of harsh winters.
Construction of the tunnel began in May 2015, and it was completed last year, with a soft opening held in February 2024. The tunnel is of vital importance for both civilian travel and national defense, given its proximity to the China border.
Key Features of Z-Morh Tunnel
The Z-Morh Tunnel is located at an altitude of 8,650 feet and features a 6.4-kilometre-long main tunnel, along with an egress tunnel and approach roads. It is a two-lane road tunnel equipped with a parallel 7.5-meter-wide escape passage for emergency situations.
The tunnel will bypass avalanche-prone routes, offering all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh. This is especially important as the road to Sonamarg is often closed during winter due to heavy snowfall, making the tunnel critical for both civilian and military traffic. Alongside the ongoing Zojila Tunnel project, the Z-Morh Tunnel will improve year-round access to the Baltal and Ladakh regions.
Economic and Tourism Benefits
The Z-Morh Tunnel is expected to enhance tourism in the region, especially during the winter months, when Sonamarg is typically inaccessible. This project will help transform Sonamarg into a year-round tourist destination, promoting winter tourism, adventure sports, and supporting local livelihoods.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has termed the Z-Morh Tunnel an “engineering marvel” and a game-changer for the region. In a statement on the microblogging platform X, NHIDCL described the tunnel as not just a physical connection between Gagangir and Sonamarg, but as a catalyst for boosting regional trade and tourism.
Future Developments and Connectivity
When completed, the Zojila Tunnel, expected by 2028, will further improve the road network between Srinagar and Ladakh. Together, the two tunnels will reduce the travel distance by 6 km and increase vehicle speeds, from 30 km/h to 70 km/h, ensuring seamless connectivity along the NH-1 highway between Srinagar and Ladakh.
