PM Modi Inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir

On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a key advancement in improving all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and the strategically important Ladakh region.

Strategic Significance and Features
The 6.5-kilometer-long, bi-directional Z-Morh Tunnel is located at an altitude of around 8,652 feet on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. It connects Gagangir to the popular tourist spot of Sonamarg, bypassing avalanche-prone areas and cutting travel time from over two hours to just 15 minutes. The project, initiated in 2015 under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), was completed at a cost of ₹2,400 crore.

Economic and Tourism Benefits
The tunnel is expected to turn Sonamarg into a year-round tourist hub, encouraging winter sports and boosting the local economy. Residents, who previously had to move during winter due to isolation, will now have continuous access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities.

Enhanced Security Measures
Ahead of the inauguration, extensive security measures were put in place. The Special Protection Group (SPG), along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army, and paramilitary forces, set up a 20-kilometer security zone around the venue, utilizing drone surveillance, checkpoints, and random frisking to ensure safety.

Future Connectivity Projects
The Z-Morh Tunnel is part of a larger plan to improve infrastructure in the Himalayan region. It complements the ongoing construction of the 14-kilometer-long Zoji La Tunnel, expected to be completed by 2028. Once both tunnels are operational, they will provide seamless connectivity along National Highway 1 (NH-1) between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh, reducing travel distance and time, while promoting economic growth and defense logistics.