GANDERBAL, Jan 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on January 13 to officially open the Z-Morh Tunnel, an essential infrastructure initiative aimed at ensuring all-weather access to the breathtaking hill destination of Sonamarg.
As informed by official sources, the Z-Morh Tunnel spans 6.5 kilometers and features a two-lane road that will connect Gagangir and Sonamarg, effectively circumventing the avalanche-prone Gagangir-Sonamarg road.
This tunnel is named for the ‘Z-shaped’ road segment it replaces, significantly cutting down travel time to just 15 minutes rather than the previous hours required.
A local resident expressed appreciation, highlighting the route’s critical role in improving winter accessibility.
“This is extremely important; with the tunnel completed, the Sonamarg-Ladakh road will remain accessible year-round. Given that Ladakh is a border region, transporting essential goods that previously required air freight can now occur via road, thanks to this tunnel’s construction and opening. Hence, this is crucial,” he remarked.
“The community is delighted, and we extend our gratitude to the Central government. The Prime Minister’s inauguration on January 13 is greatly anticipated. The Central government, particularly Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, has spearheaded numerous initiatives in this regard,” he added.
The Z-Morh Tunnel, together with the adjacent Zoji-La Tunnel, holds significant strategic importance in providing resilient connectivity to areas such as Baltal (Amarnath Cave), Kargil, and Ladakh. This infrastructure is expected to enhance military logistics and invigorate tourism and economic endeavors, offering job opportunities to local youth.
Initiated in 2018, the Z-Morh Tunnel is part of a larger project involving 31 road tunnels under construction in the region—20 in Jammu and Kashmir and 11 in Ladakh.
The inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel represents a significant achievement in enhancing connectivity and promoting development in the area, further solidifying its geostrategic and economic importance. (AGENCIES)
