NEWS – PM opens Z-Morh tunnel in J&K in big connectivity boost

Z-MORH TUNNEL

Location and Purpose:

• A 6.5 km long bi-directional tunnel connecting Gagangair and Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Aimed at providing uninterrupted connectivity between Srinagar and Kargil during the winter months.

  Key Features of the Z-Morh Tunnel

• Length and Structure:
  • Tunnel length: 6.5 km.
  • Includes 6.05 km of approach roads and a two-lane road design with a 10-metre width.
• Altitude:
  • Situated at an elevation of 2,637 metres (8,652 feet) above sea level.
• Traffic Capacity:
  • Accommodates up to 1,000 vehicles per hour.
  • Maximum speed limit: 80 km/h.
• Emergency Features:
  • Equipped with a 5-metre-wide parallel escape tunnel for evacuation and potential railway use.
• Construction Methodology:
  • Built using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) for efficiency in difficult geological conditions.

Objectives and Strategic Importance

• Winter Connectivity: Ensures all-weather road access between Srinagar and Sonamarg, even during heavy snowfall and avalanches.
• Economic Impact: Boosts tourism and trade in the region, including access to Sonamarg’s attractions like the Thajiwar Glacier.
• Military Logistics: Enhances the strategic movement of military personnel and resources in the Ladakh region.

Benefits of the Z-Morh Tunnel

• Year-Round Connectivity: Provides uninterrupted transport between Kashmir and Sonamarg.
• Economic Development: Supports Sonamarg’s economy by improving trade and connectivity.
• Tourism Boost: Promotes winter sports and tourism in Sonamarg, similar to Gulmarg.
• Reduced Travel Time: Eliminates the need for overnight stays in Kargil, cutting down the travel time between Srinagar and Leh.

Construction Details and Timeline

• Project Partners:
  • Developed jointly by National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) and APCO Infratech Pvt Ltd.
• Cost and Timeline:
  • Project cost: ₹2,700 crore (approx. $325.3 million).
  • Construction began in May 2015 and was completed in 2024.

Challenges Addressed by the Z-Morh Tunnel

• Geographical Obstacles:
  • Provides security against avalanches and heavy snowfall that previously closed the road for 7 months annually.
• Economic and Strategic Concerns:
  • Resolves the loss of communication and economic activity due to road closures.