SRINAGAR: The Sunday attack where seven workers including a doctor were killed by militants is a critical infastructuer prtoject aimed at enuing round the year connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
The tunnel is a crucial 6.4-kilometre-long tunnel that connects the Sonamarg health resort with Kangan town in Ganderbal district. Located near Gagangir, the tunnel is strategically significant as it will provide all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination along the Srinagar-Leh highway.
Named after the Z-shaped road stretch where it is located, the tunnel aims to improve access to regions that are otherwise cut off during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. Situated at an altitude of over 8,500 feet, this stretch of road is particularly vulnerable to such weather conditions, and the tunnel is intended to mitigate these challenges.
The Z-Morh tunnel holds strategic and economic importance for both the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. While its immediate benefit is ensuring year-round access to Sonamarg, it also plays a pivotal role in connecting Ladakh to the rest of the country. Given Ladakh’s proximity to the sensitive border regions, the tunnel will provide faster and more reliable access for military personnel, especially in times of need. Its importance is underscored by the ongoing construction of the Zojila tunnel, which will eventually connect Sonamarg with Drass in Ladakh, further enhancing the region’s connectivity.
While the Zojila tunnel is expected to be completed by December 2026, the opening of the Z-Morh tunnel is essential for maintaining year-round connectivity to Ladakh in the interim, making it a vital component in the region’s infrastructure development.
Originally conceived by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012, the Z-Morh tunnel project was initially awarded to Tunnelway Ltd. However, it was later taken over by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which re-tendered the project. The contract was eventually secured by APCO Infratech, which is executing the project through a special purpose vehicle, APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited.
Although the project was originally expected to be completed by August 2023, delays pushed the timeline forward. A soft opening of the tunnel took place in February 2024, but its full inauguration has been delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct in place ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
The tunnel, crucial for both civilian and military movement, now faces additional challenges as authorities work to ensure the safety of those involved in its construction. With the tunnel project nearing completion, the attack has raised fresh concerns about the security of key projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
The bidirectional Tunnel, located is expected to cost Rs 2,680 crore. The project is part of the 31 tunnel projects with erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state which would cost around Rs 1.4 lakh crore, according to the road transport and highways minister.
