Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, on January 13, 2025. The 6.5-kilometer tunnel, completed at a cost of ₹2,400 crore, connects Gagangir to Sonamarg, ensuring smoother travel to Ladakh. With a soft launch in February 2024, this project is an engineering marvel overseen by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Strategic Importance of the Tunnel
Situated at an altitude of 8,650 feet, the Z-Morh tunnel is pivotal for India’s defense and enhances connectivity to Ladakh, bypassing landslide-prone routes. It features a two-lane road and a parallel escape passage, ensuring safe travel for both civilian and military vehicles. Together with the under-construction Zojila tunnel, it will guarantee uninterrupted access to Ladakh throughout the year.
Boosting Winter Tourism and Local Economies
Previously inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall, Sonamarg will now remain open year-round, transforming it into a hub for winter tourism and adventure sports. The tunnel is expected to supplement Gulmarg as a prime skiing destination, opening new opportunities for tourism and local livelihoods.
Technological Advancements and Travel Efficiency
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the tunnel provides real-time updates for travelers and significantly reduces travel time between Srinagar and Sonamarg. Vehicles can now travel at speeds of up to 70 km/h, with the tunnel handling up to 1,000 vehicles per hour, marking a new standard for road infrastructure in the region.
A Long Journey to Completion
The Z-Morh project began in May 2015 but faced delays when the initial contractor, IL&FS, halted work in 2018. Retendered in 2019, APCO Infratech took over the project in 2020. Initially envisioned to be completed by 2016-2017, the tunnel’s foundation was laid in 2012 during the UPA II government.
A Game Changer for Connectivity
The Z-Morh tunnel is set to redefine travel and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring year-round access, boosting local economies, and supporting India’s strategic needs in the Ladakh region.
