Z-Morh Tunnel: PM Modi inaugurates the strategically-significant project. All you need to know

Z-Morh Tunnel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13 inaugurated the ‘Z-Morh’ Tunnel in the Sonamarg area of Jammu and Kashmir. Located on the Srinagar-Sonamarg road in the Union Territory, this strategically- significant project will play a crucial role in ensuring year-round road connectivity to Ladakh from Ganderbal district in central Kashmir.

‘Z-Morh’ gets its name due to its shape, Z, and ‘Morh’, which means turn in Hindi. The road was considered avalanche-prone previously.

Modi inspected the 6.4 km-long tunnel constructed at an estimated ₹2,700 crore after the formal inauguration. He also interacted with the workers involved in the construction of the tunnel.

The project is part of the 12-km-long Tunnel project. Along with the Zojila Tunnel, set for completion by 2028, the project is expected to reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and boost vehicle speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hour, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. It will provide better connectivity to Baltal (Amarnath cave), Kargil, and other places in the Ladakh region throughout the year.

Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, the project  will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.

The Significance

The enhanced connectivity will boost defense logistics, drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, a government statement said.

Work on the project began in May 2015 and was completed in 2024. The tunnel had its soft opening in February 2024.

The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) describes the Sonamarg Tunnel as a breakthrough that goes beyond simply connecting Gagangir and Sonamarg, unlocking the region's full potential for trade and tourism.

Equipped with advanced technologies, the tunnel offers real-time updates and ensures seamless connectivity, setting a new benchmark for regional infrastructure and enhancing the travel experience.

‘Eagerly Awaiting’

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on January 11 that the Z-Morh tunnel will open Sonamarg to tourism throughout the year, potentially developing the town into a great 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 responded to the post and said that he is eagerly waiting for his visit to Sonamarg to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel. Security was tightened in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts ahead of the inauguration. 

The Ganderbal-Zojila road has been closed to public traffic from Saturday to Monday to ensure the area remains secure.

Special Security Group (SSG) personnel took over the area days before the visit, and multiple checkpoints have been set up to monitor movement in the area.

On October 20, 2024, the tunnel workers were attacked by terrorists who entered a camp at Gagangir. The attack killed seven civilians, including six non-local workers and a doctor from Kashmir.

(With agency inputs)