SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Z-Morh Tunnel in Ganderbal district on January 26. The project is expected to be a game changer for regional connectivity, improve border security, and enhance both civilian and military logistics in the area.
According to reports, the tunnel, constructed at a cost of Rs 2,400 crore, holds strategic importance in maintaining uninterrupted connectivity to Sonamarg—a region frequently cut off during harsh winters due to heavy snowfall. This development marks a significant milestone in infrastructure improvement and ensuring year-round accessibility in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Z-Morh Tunnel is a game-changer for both military and civilian use. It will enable faster troop deployment, seamless transport of military equipment, and uninterrupted supply of essential goods to border areas. Improved connectivity will also speed up travel between Jammu and Kashmir and other regions, benefiting local residents,” said a senior official associated with the project.
“With the completion of the Z-Morh Tunnel, connectivity to Sonamarg will now remain intact even during severe weather conditions,” said Harpal Singh, General Manager of the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). Singh credited the project’s success to local workers and engineers, noting that 90 per cent of the workforce hailed from Kashmir, Doda, and Banihal.
The tunnel is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism in Sonamarg, which has traditionally been inaccessible for six months of the year due to snowfall. “This project will ensure safe travel through avalanche-prone areas and reduce the travel time from Gagangir to Sonamarg to just 30 minutes,” said Riyaz Ahmad, a local resident.
Ahmad added that the tunnel’s completion will enhance winter tourism, providing a lifeline to businesses and livelihoods in the region that have suffered during the off-season.
Construction of the Z-Morh Tunnel began in 2020 but faced delays, including setbacks caused by a militant attack in September. Despite these challenges, the project is now ready for inauguration. Officials have confirmed that the Prime Minister will e-inaugurate the tunnel on Republic Day, underlining the government’s commitment to infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)
