Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel in Kashmir
A Landmark Achievement for Connectivity and Tourism
On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-anticipated Z-Morh Tunnel in Gagangir, situated in the Sonamarg region of the Ganderbal district in central Kashmir. This strategic infrastructure project is poised to transform connectivity in the area, ensuring year-round accessibility between Srinagar and Ladakh. The tunnel is a vital part of the central government’s India-China Border Roads initiative, emphasizing its significance in bolstering border infrastructure and improving regional development.
Key Features of the Z-Morh Tunnel
Strategic Location and Design
- The Z-Morh Tunnel is located at an altitude of 8,652 feet above mean sea level.
- Spanning 6.5 kilometers, it is a two-lane bi-directional tunnel built on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.
- The Zojila Pass connects Gagangir to Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir, providing an alternative route that avoids the avalanche-prone section of the existing road.
Time-Saving Connectivity
- Before the tunnel, the journey between Gagangir and Sonamarg often took over two hours during favorable weather conditions. Travel time has been significantly reduced to approximately 15 minutes with the opening of the Z-Morh Tunnel
Cost and Construction
- The project, executed under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), was initiated in May 2015.
- It was constructed at an estimated cost of ₹2,700 crore.
- Though completed in February 2024, the tunnel was officially inaugurated in January 2025.
Part of the Zoji La Tunnel Project
- The Z-Morh Tunnel is a subset of the broader Zoji La Tunnel initiative, which aims to provide uninterrupted access between Srinagar and Ladakh throughout the year.
Strategic Importance of the Tunnel
Bolstering Defense Infrastructure
- During the Kargil conflict in 1999, limited road connectivity posed significant challenges in transporting supplies to forward bases.
- Ladakh’s isolation during winter, caused by heavy snowfall, often compelled the Indian Army to rely on the Indian Air Force for supplies.
- The Z-Morh and Zoji La tunnels aim to eliminate such logistical challenges, strengthening India’s defense preparedness in the region.
Enhancing National Security
- The tunnel is a critical addition to India’s border road network, improving connectivity in sensitive regions near the India-China border.
- Once completed, the combined Zoji La and Z-Morh Tunnel projects will ensure seamless movement of troops and resources to strategic areas.
Boost to Tourism and Local Economy
All-Weather Access to Sonamarg
- Known for its picturesque landscapes, Sonamarg often remained inaccessible during winters due to road blockages caused by snow and avalanches.
- The Z-Morh Tunnel ensures year-round access, making Sonamarg a perennial tourist destination.
Tourism Growth Projections
- With improved connectivity, the state government plans to establish a world-class ski resort in the region.
- This development is expected to significantly boost tourism, attracting adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers from across the globe.
Economic Benefits for Locals
- Reliable road access to Srinagar and Jammu will enhance opportunities for trade and daily commuting for the residents of Sonamarg.
- The tourism surge is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities and elevate the economic standards of the region.
Acknowledgment of Workers’ Dedication
During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi praised the relentless efforts of the workers who toiled in extreme weather conditions to complete the project. He acknowledged the sacrifice of seven workers who lost their lives in an October 2024 militant attack on the construction site. The Prime Minister commended the dedication of all involved in the timely completion of this vital infrastructure project.
Other Major Infrastructure Projects in J&K
Prime Minister Modi highlighted ongoing connectivity projects in Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as transformative steps towards regional development. Key projects include:
- Chenab Bridge: The world’s highest railway bridge, with successful passenger train trials completed recently.
- Chenani-Nashri Tunnel: Enhancing road connectivity in the region.
- Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link: A significant boost to rail connectivity.
- Katra-Delhi Expressway: Shortening travel time between the two cities.
- Ropeway Projects: Initiatives at the Shankaracharya Temple, Shiv Khori Temple, and Baltal-Amarnath Shrine to enhance tourism.
The Vision for a Developed Jammu and Kashmir
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the role of connectivity in achieving a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He reiterated his commitment to ensuring holistic development for Jammu and Kashmir, calling the region the “crown of India.”
Promoting Unity and Progress
- PM Modi hailed the peace and progress achieved in Kashmir, attributing it to the collective efforts of the local population.
- He noted that events like international marathons, winter games, and late-night shopping festivals in Srinagar symbolize a new era of stability and prosperity.
Leadership Remarks and Future Promises
Statehood Restoration
During the event, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated the demand for restoring Statehood to the region. While PM Modi refrained from providing a timeline, he assured that “Right things will happen at the right time.”
Transforming the Narrative
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, highlighted that the Z-Morh Tunnel is part of a larger effort to integrate J&K seamlessly with the rest of the nation. He remarked that projects worth ₹50,000 crores are underway to end the “Dili ki Doori” (distance from Delhi).
The Z-Morh Tunnel marks a milestone in India’s infrastructural journey, promising unparalleled benefits for defense, tourism, and local communities. With this transformative step, Jammu and Kashmir is set to become a model of connectivity and development for the entire nation.
How Well Did You Read?
1. Who inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel, and when was it inaugurated?
Answer: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel on January 13, 2025.
2. Where is the Z-Morh Tunnel located?
Answer: The Z-Morh Tunnel is located in Gagangir in the Sonamarg area of the Ganderbal district in central Kashmir.
3. What is the length of the Z-Morh Tunnel, and what type of tunnel is it?
Answer: The Z-Morh Tunnel is 6.5 kilometers long and is a two-lane bi-directional road tunnel.
4. What is the significance of the name “Z-Morh”?
Answer: The tunnel is named “Z-Morh” because it bypasses a Z-shaped stretch of road that is avalanche-prone and often blocked during winter.
5. What is the total cost of constructing the Z-Morh Tunnel?
Answer: The construction of the Z-Morh Tunnel cost ₹2,700 crores.
6. How will the Z-Morh Tunnel impact travel time between Gagangir and Sonamarg?
Answer: The Z-Morh Tunnel will reduce travel time between Gagangir and Sonamarg from over two hours to just 15 minutes.
7. What is the broader project associated with the Z-Morh Tunnel, and what is its purpose?
Answer: The Z-Morh Tunnel is part of the Zoji La Tunnel project, aimed at providing round-the-year connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, which is crucial for both defense and civilian purposes.
8. How does the Z-Morh Tunnel contribute to tourism in the Sonamarg region?
Answer: The Z-Morh Tunnel ensures year-round access to Sonamarg, which was previously inaccessible during winters, thus boosting tourism and facilitating the development of new tourist attractions like ski resorts.
9. What was a major challenge faced during the construction of the Z-Morh Tunnel?
Answer: One of the major challenges was a militant attack on October 20, 2024, which resulted in the death of seven workers. Despite this, the project continued and was successfully completed.
10. What other infrastructure projects were highlighted during the inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel?
Answer: During the inauguration, PM Modi mentioned projects like the Zoji La Tunnel, the Chenab Bridge, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link, and upcoming ring roads and expressways, all contributing to better connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
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