J&K: 7 killed in terror attack on Z-Morh Tunnel- Here’s why militants targeted this project

On Sunday evening, militants in Jammu and Kashmir targeted workers of APCO Infratech, an infrastructure company responsible for constructing the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway. The attack, which killed seven workers, marks the first militant assault on a key infrastructure project in the region. Previously, militants had avoided targeting such projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The Z-Morh tunnel is a crucial infrastructure development, and its completion holds significant strategic and economic importance for the region, reports Indian Express.

What is the Z-Morh Tunnel?

The Z-Morh tunnel is a 6.4-kilometer-long tunnel connecting the Sonamarg health resort with Kangan town in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Located near Gagangir village, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, a well-known tourist destination along the Srinagar-Leh highway. The tunnel is named after the Z-shaped road stretch where it is being constructed.

Significance of  Z-Morh Tunnel 

The Z-Morh tunnel is located at an altitude of over 8,500 feet, in a region prone to heavy snowfall and avalanches, which makes the road to Sonamarg impassable during winter months. As a result, Sonamarg is often cut off from the rest of the state for the majority of the winter season. The tunnel will address this issue, ensuring year-round connectivity, which is critical not just for tourism but also for the people living in the region.

Project Timeline and Challenges

The Z-Morh tunnel project was initially conceived by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012. The construction contract was initially awarded to Tunnelway Ltd., but the project was later taken over by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). NHIDCL re-tendered the project, which was eventually awarded to APCO Infratech through a special purpose vehicle, APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited.

While the project was originally slated for completion in August 2023, delays pushed the timeline back. A soft opening of the tunnel was conducted in February 2023, but the final inauguration was delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in place for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

Strategic Importance of the Tunnel

The Z-Morh tunnel’s significance goes beyond just improving tourism. It is a critical component for maintaining all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, which is strategically important for India’s military. The region around Ladakh borders China, and ensuring quick access for military personnel and equipment is vital for national security.

Moreover, the Z-Morh tunnel is crucial for the success of another strategic project: the Zojila tunnel. Located at an altitude of around 12,000 feet, the Zojila tunnel will connect Sonamarg to Drass in Ladakh. Expected to be completed by December 2026, the Zojila tunnel will provide crucial all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, further boosting both civilian and military movement.

The attack on the workers of APCO Infratech underscores the challenges that infrastructure projects in conflict regions face, but it also highlights the importance of such projects in improving connectivity and bolstering national security.