New Delhi:
In a significant milestone for infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, marking a major enhancement in all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg. This strategic tunnel, located in the picturesque Ganderbal district, is set to revolutionize travel and commerce in the region.
The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel is part of a broader infrastructure project that includes the upcoming Zojila Tunnel, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access between Ladakh and Srinagar. This development is expected to significantly improve travel time and safety, transforming the region’s connectivity landscape.
Enhancing Connectivity and Safety
The Z-Morh tunnel replaces an avalanche-prone, Z-shaped stretch of road that often remained blocked for months due to heavy rainfall and avalanches. Constructed at an altitude of 8,650 feet above sea level, this tunnel reduces the travel time between Srinagar and Sonamarg from over two hours to just 15 minutes. The project, which cost over Rs 2,700 crore, includes a 6.4 km main tunnel, an egress tunnel, and approach roads.
The tunnel is a two-lane, bi-directional road structure with a width of 10 meters, accompanied by a parallel 7.5-meter wide escape tunnel. Designed to handle up to 1,000 vehicles per hour at a maximum speed of 80 kmph, the tunnel is equipped with advanced technologies such as a ventilation system, public address system, electrical fire signaling system, radio rebroadcast system, and a Dynamic Road Information Panel (DRIP) to ensure real-time updates and seamless connectivity.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The Z-Morh tunnel is anticipated to boost Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and tourism industry significantly. By providing all-weather access, it will encourage tourism along the Sindh river and make Sonamarg, known for its natural beauty, more accessible year-round. This will also promote winter sports and adventure tourism, with local leaders envisioning Sonamarg as a potential major ski resort.
The construction of the Z-Morh tunnel began in 2015 and is a crucial component of the larger Zojila tunnel project. Once the Zojila Tunnel is completed by 2028, the combined tunnels will reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and increase vehicle speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh.
Security and Inauguration
The inauguration event saw elaborate security arrangements, with the Prime Minister’s security team, including the Special Protection Group (SPG), taking over the venue. Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and the Army were involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event, which included extensive area domination exercises, searches, and patrols. Sharpshooters were deployed at vulnerable points, and aerial and technical surveillance, including drones, were used to monitor the area round-the-clock.
