PM Modi Inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir: Enhancing All-Weather Connectivity
6.4-km-long Z-Morh tunnel opens year-round access to Sonamarg, boosting tourism and strategic connectivity.
Sonamarg Z-Morh Tunnel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the much-anticipated 6.4-kilometer-long Z-Morh tunnel in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant milestone in enhancing all-weather connectivity to the picturesque Sonamarg region. This tunnel connects Gagangir and Sonamarg, providing year-round access by replacing the previously avalanche-prone Z-turn road.
The inauguration event, held amid great enthusiasm, was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This strategic infrastructure project, constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 2,700 crore, promises to boost the region’s tourism and transportation sectors.
Engineering Marvel with Advanced Safety Features
The Z-Morh tunnel, situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet, incorporates cutting-edge technology to ensure safe and efficient travel. It features a two-lane bi-directional road structure with a width of 10 meters. Additionally, a 7.5-meter-wide parallel escape passage has been integrated for emergency evacuations.
Constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), the tunnel facilitates faster and safer travel, reducing travel time between Srinagar and Sonamarg. Vehicles can now traverse the route at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour, significantly faster than the previous limit of 30 kilometers per hour on winding mountain roads. The tunnel can handle up to 1,000 vehicles per hour, ensuring smooth traffic flow.
Project Timeline and Challenges
The journey of the Z-Morh tunnel project began in May 2015 but faced significant setbacks when the initial concessionaire, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS), halted construction in 2018 due to financial constraints. The project was subsequently retendered, and in January 2020, APCO Infratech was awarded the contract to complete the tunnel. Despite these challenges, the project reached completion, showcasing the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Strategic Importance and Economic Impact
The Z-Morh tunnel holds immense strategic importance as it ensures reliable connectivity to the vital Ladakh region, bypassing routes vulnerable to landslides and avalanches. This enhancement in infrastructure is expected to significantly bolster local economies by promoting tourism and facilitating smoother transportation of goods. The tunnel’s all-weather capability also strengthens defense logistics in the region.
