Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, January 13, inaugurated the 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district, Central Kashmir. The tunnel will enable year-round accessibility to the Sonamarg tourist resort, enhancing connectivity to the region.
The Z-Morh tunnel, which costs over Rs 2,700 crore to construct, connects Gagangir to Sonamarg in Ganderbal district. The tunnel has a 7.5-meter-wide emergency escape passage and is strategically important from a defence and civilian perspective.
The tunnel’s construction began in May 2015 and was completed in 2024. It is located at an altitude of over 8,650 feet and will improve year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg. It will bypass landslide-prone and avalanche-affected areas, offering a safer and more reliable route to Leh.
Kashmir’s new Sonamarg Tunnel
Kashmir’s new Sonamarg Tunnel’s Z-Morh tunnel will unlock the full potential of the region, boosting trade and tourism between Gagangir and Sonamarg.
Z-Morh tunnel is expected to cut down travel time dramatically, reducing it from over 2 hours to just 15 minutes.
Z-Morh tunnel
The Z-Morh tunnel is named after the Z-shaped stretch of road eliminating the avalanche-prone section, which used to be frequently blocked for months due to heavy rainfall.
PM Shri @narendramodi Ji inaugurates the Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir.
◾️The Tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar & Sonamarg enroute to Leh.
◾️The Sonamarg Tunnel project is around 12 km long and has been constructed at a cost of over ₹ 2,700 Cr. pic.twitter.com/ypXu0vLBeL
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) January 13, 2025
The Z-Morh tunnel is expected to improve connectivity to Ladakh, complementing the ongoing Zojila tunnel project. Zojila Tunnel is due for completion by 2028. Together these tunnels will shorten the route from 49 km to 43 km, increasing vehicle speeds from 30 km/h to 70 km/h, ensuring seamless connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh.
The Z-Morh tunnel is equipped with several advanced technologies, including a public address system for announcements and emergency instructions, an electrical fire signalling system, a radio re-broadcast system for information and entertainment, Dynamic Road Information Panels (DRIP) for traffic updates, and Speed Limit Variable Message Signs (SLVS) for adjusting speed limits based on conditions.
It is designed to handle up to 1,000 vehicles per hour, with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h.
Z-Morh tunnel ensures real-time updates and continuous connectivity, setting a new benchmark for regional infrastructure.
Srinagar to Sonamarg road distance
The distance from Srinagar to Sonamarg is 79.4 km and will take approx 2 hrs 6 min via NH 1.
The Sonamarg Tunnel is poised to have a positive impact on Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, particularly by boosting tourism along the scenic Sindh River. Additionally, it eliminates the need for overnight stays in Kargil, making travel more convenient and efficient for commuters. This transformative project aims to significantly enhance the overall travel experience in the region.
The Z-Morh Tunnel serves as a vital lifeline for travellers, offering year-round connectivity and safety. Moreover, it is a significant boon for tourism and trade, unlocking the region’s full potential and fostering economic growth.
The Z-Morh Tunnel, located near Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir, is a 6.5 km engineering marvel designed to ensure year-round connectivity to Ladakh. Built at an altitude of 8,650 feet, it eliminates landslide-prone sections and reduces travel time significantly. Travel Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
