On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5 km Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant milestone for the region’s infrastructure. This development is expected to promote year-round tourism in Sonamarg, a picturesque town known for its scenic beauty.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi hailed Jammu and Kashmir as “India’s crown” and paid tribute to the workers who contributed to the tunnel’s construction. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the workers who completed this project despite facing extreme challenges and risking their lives. Tragically, seven of our colleagues lost their lives during the construction, and today, we remember them,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of fulfilling promises, saying, “If Modi makes a promise, he keeps it. The Sonamarg tunnel is a testament to this commitment.” He also highlighted the positive impact the tunnel will have on the local population, especially those in Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh, improving accessibility and infrastructure.
The tunnel project, which began in 2015 after the current government took office, is part of broader efforts to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in the region. PM Modi reiterated his government’s focus on completing major infrastructure projects, including road and rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, which will further integrate Kashmir with the rest of the country. “This is the new Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated.
Key Features of the Z-Morh Tunnel
The Sonamarg Tunnel, which forms part of a larger 12 km tunnel project, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. The main tunnel stretches 6.4 km and is complemented by an egress tunnel and approach roads. Located at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, the tunnel will ensure all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, bypassing landslide-prone and avalanche-risk areas, and guaranteeing safe and uninterrupted access to the strategically important Ladakh region.
The Z-Morh Tunnel is expected to transform Sonamarg into a year-round tourist destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local economic growth. It will also improve connectivity, reducing the travel distance between Srinagar and Leh from 49 km to 43 km. Vehicle speed will increase from 30 km/h to 70 km/h, significantly improving the flow of traffic. Along with the upcoming Zojila Tunnel, scheduled for completion by 2028, the Z-Morh Tunnel will facilitate seamless NH-1 connectivity, enhancing defense logistics and fostering economic development and cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
This project reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir through improved infrastructure and connectivity, benefiting both the local population and the broader nation.
