J&K: PM Modi Inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg

On Monday, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. NHIDCL is the implementing agency for the project and has called it an “engineering marvel.”

The name Z-Morh comes from the Z shaped road that existed before the tunnel was built. The road was at an altitude of over 8500 feet and used to get snow avalanches in winters and would get closed for Sonamarg during winters.

Zoji-la Tunnel connecting Sonamarg in Kashmir to Drass in Ladakh is also under construction and is expected to be completed by Dec 2026.

The Z-Morh project was started by BRO in 2012 and was later taken over and re-tendered by NHIDCL in 2019. APCO Infratech is the executing agency for the project under APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited.

The project was supposed to be completed by August 2023 but was delayed due to Assembly elections in the UT and official inauguration was also postponed.

Z-Morh Tunnel is located to improve connectivity in the area and is a key to reduce travel time and connectivity between important places.

Located at an altitude of over 8650 feet the tunnel will connect Srinagar to Sonamarg and provide safe access to strategic Ladakh region.

Built with state of the art technology to ensure safety & durability. Designed to facilitate smooth traffic flow and minimal environmental impact.

This will improve defence logistics and economic growth and social-cultural integration between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

With its wide and high design the Z-Morh Tunnel can accommodate large volume of traffic including heavy vehicles throughout the year.

Safety features Equipped with modern safety systems the tunnel has emergency exits, ventilation systems and fire safety measures to protect users and ensure safe travel.

The Sonamarg Tunnel is 12 km long and costs over Rs 2,700 crore which includes 6.4 km main tunnel, egress tunnel and approach roads.

Once completed Z-Morh tunnel along with Zojila tunnel expected by 2028 will reduce the distance from 49 km to 43 km and speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was optimistic about the Z-Morh tunnel’s impact on tourism. He said in a statement that the tunnel will develop Sonamarg as a premier ski resort and people will be able to stay in the area during winters and travel time from Srinagar to Kargil and Leh will be significantly reduced.