Z-Morh Tunnel: On January 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Z-Morh’ Tunnel in the Sonamarg region of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated along the Srinagar-Sonamarg road in the Union Territory, this strategically important project is set to play a key role in providing year-round road access to Ladakh from Ganderbal district in central Kashmir.
Named after its Z-shaped design, with 'Morh' meaning turn in Hindi, the tunnel was previously considered vulnerable to avalanches.
In this image released by PMO on January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel, in J&K. | Photo Credit: PTI
Following the official inauguration, Modi inspected the 6.4 km-long tunnel, which was built at an estimated cost of ₹2,700 crore, and interacted with the workers who contributed to its construction.
This project is part of a larger 12-km tunnel initiative. Along with the Zojila Tunnel, which is expected to be completed by 2028, the development is projected to shorten the route from 49 km to 43 km and increase travel speeds from 30 km/h to 70 km/h, ensuring uninterrupted NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. It will also enhance access to Baltal (Amarnath Cave), Kargil, and other Ladakh destinations year-round.
At an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, the project is poised to promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round hub, fostering winter tourism, adventure sports, and improving local livelihoods.
Significance of the Z-Morh Tunnel for India
The Z-Morh Tunnel holds immense strategic and economic importance for India. It is anticipated to stimulate the region's economy, transforming Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir into a popular ski resort akin to Gulmarg, located west of Srinagar. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized developing Sonamarg in Ganderbal district as a winter sports hub similar to Gulmarg.
The tunnel will improve access to Sonamarg, enabling travelers to reach Ladakh without an overnight stop in Kargil. The route via Sonamarg, part of National Highway-1, passes through Baltal—a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra—and continues to Matayen, Dras, Kaksar, and Kargil in Ladakh.
Upon the completion of the Zojila Tunnel, located east of Z-Morh, all-weather connectivity between Sonamarg and Dras will become a reality. National Highway-1, which links Kashmir to Ladakh and runs south of the Line of Control (LOC), played a crucial role during the 1999 Kargil Conflict and remains vital for connecting these northern regions of India.
The Zojila Tunnel, stretching from Baltal in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district to Minimarg in Dras, features an 18-kilometer approach road and is expected to near completion by 2028. Together, the Z-Morh and Zojila Tunnels will enable year-round access for the Indian Army to northern areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, enhancing surveillance along the LOC and the Line of Actual Control further east.
In October, six workers involved in the Z-Morh Tunnel’s construction and a doctor were killed in a terror attack in Ganderbal district. The victims included Dr. Shahnawaz from Budgam, Gurmeet Singh from Gurdaspur, Mohammad Haneef, Faheem Nasir, Kaleem from Bihar, Anil Kumar Shukla from Madhya Pradesh, and Shashi Abrol from Jammu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the seven individuals who lost their lives.
The Z-Morh Tunnel features a two-lane, bi-directional roadway, 10 meters wide, with a parallel 7.5-meter-wide escape tunnel designed for emergencies and potential dual use as a railway tunnel. It can accommodate up to 1,000 vehicles per hour at speeds of up to 80 km/h.
This tunnel is part of a larger initiative comprising 31 tunnels—20 in Jammu and Kashmir and 11 in Ladakh—with a total investment of ₹2,680 crore.
‘Eagerly Awaiting’
On January 11, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the opening of the Z-Morh tunnel will make Sonamarg accessible to tourists year-round, which could potentially transform the town into a major ski destination.
“Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM Narendra Modi ji's visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will open Sonamarg to tourism all year round,” he said in a post on X.
Modi replied to the post, expressing his excitement about his upcoming visit to Sonamarg for the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel. In preparation for the event, security has been ramped up in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.
To maintain security, the Ganderbal-Zojila road will remain closed to public traffic from Saturday to Monday.
Ahead of the visit, Special Security Group (SSG) personnel have taken control of the area, with several checkpoints established to monitor the movement of individuals.
On October 20, 2024, terrorists attacked the tunnel workers at a camp in Gagangir, killing seven civilians, including six non-local workers and a Kashmiri doctor.
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