The Z-Morh tunnel is set to become a significant milestone in building a strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh, ensuring year-round connectivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate this vital infrastructure on January 13, marking a transformative moment for the region.

Located in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, the Z-Morh tunnel ensures that the picturesque tourist destination of Sonamarg remains accessible throughout the year. Earlier, heavy snowfall and avalanches cut off the area during winters, limiting its tourism potential. Built under the Thajiwas Glacier, the tunnel bypasses landslide- and avalanche-prone areas, making travel safer and more reliable. Local hoteliers have expressed optimism about the Z-Morh tunnel, viewing it as a transformative step for Sonamarg’s tourism industry. They believe the tunnel addresses a critical need to position Sonamarg as a prominent winter destination in Kashmir. By ensuring reliable access, the tunnel is expected to pave the way for the development of new winter tourism hotspots, fostering economic growth and attracting more visitors to the region

Features of Z-Morh Tunnel

Built at a cost of Rs 2,680 crore, the 6.5-km two-lane Z-Morh tunnel incorporates cutting-edge technology. Key features include:

  • A 10.8-metre-long main tunnel.
  • A 7.5-metre horseshoe-shaped escape tunnel.
  • Intelligent Traffic Management System to streamline vehicle flow.
  • Culverts of varying lengths to ensure structural efficiency.

This infrastructure not only enhances connectivity but also promotes adventure tourism around the Thajiwas Glacier and Sindh River.

A Security-Intensive Project

The project has not been without challenges. In October last year, a militant attack claimed the lives of seven workers at the construction site. Security has since been bolstered, with a comprehensive assessment carried out ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. Additional checkpoints and stepped-up vigilance are in place across the region to ensure safety.

Linking to the Zojila Tunnel

The Z-Morh tunnel paves the way for the Zojila tunnel, Asia’s longest under-construction tunnel. The 13.14-km Zojila tunnel, built at a cost of Rs 6,800 crore, will cut through the Himalayan range at Zojila Pass, connecting Ganderbal in Kashmir with Drass in Kargil. Once completed, travel time between Ganderbal and Kargil will be reduced from three hours to just 20 minutes.

The Zojila tunnel will feature:

  • Four culverts with a total length of 810 metres.
  • Four Nilgrar tunnels totaling 4,821 metres.
  • Three vertical ventilation shafts for safety and airflow.

Strategic Importance

The strategic location of the Zojila tunnel is critical for the movement of goods and defence logistics to Ladakh. Currently, Ladakh remains cut off during winter due to the closure of the Zojila Pass. The tunnel will ensure seamless connectivity even in harsh weather conditions, boosting economic and social development in the region.

The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel is a watershed moment for Kashmir and Ladakh, promising year-round accessibility and a boost to tourism and economic activity. As the region braces for enhanced connectivity, projects like the Zojila tunnel will further solidify the strategic and economic integration of this vital corridor into India’s growth story.