Ganderbal (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], January 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the newly constructed Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant step towards improved connectivity in the region. The event was attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
After the inauguration, PM Modi inspected the tunnel, receiving a detailed briefing on its route and construction. The Prime Minister interacted with the officials and workers who worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to complete the project, acknowledging their dedication to this monumental engineering achievement.
The Z-Morh Tunnel, approximately 12 km long, was built at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It includes a 6.4 km main tunnel, an egress tunnel, and approach roads. Located at an altitude of more than 8,650 feet above sea level, the tunnel will ensure all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, bypassing vulnerable landslide and avalanche-prone routes. It will provide safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically crucial Ladakh region.
This new infrastructure will also boost tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, promoting winter tourism, adventure sports, and enhancing local livelihoods.
In conjunction with the upcoming Zojila Tunnel, which is expected to be completed by 2028, the Z-Morh Tunnel will reduce the travel distance between Srinagar and Ladakh from 49 km to 43 km and increase vehicle speeds from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr, significantly improving NH-1 connectivity.
The enhanced connectivity will also strengthen defense logistics and foster economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Earlier, on January 11, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Sonamarg to review preparations for PM Modi’s visit. In a post on X, he highlighted the benefits of the Z-Morh Tunnel, stating that it would facilitate year-round tourism, promote Sonamarg as a ski resort, and reduce travel time to Kargil and Leh. “The local population will no longer need to leave in winter, and the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also be reduced,” Abdullah wrote.