PM Modi to inaugurate Z-Morh Tunnel on January 13, which will improve all-weather connectivity in J&K
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 13 to inaugurate the Z-Morh Tunnel, an important infrastructure project designed to provide all-weather connectivity to the hill station of Sonamarg.
According to official sources, the Z-Morh Tunnel, a 6.5 km long, two-lane road tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg, will bypass the Gagangir-Sonamarg road.
The tunnel is named after the ‘Z-shaped’ interchange, significantly reducing travel time to 15 minutes compared to hours on the previous route.
A resident of the area expressed gratitude, stressing the importance of the route to improve connectivity in winter.
“It is very important, after its construction, the Sonamarg-Ladakh road will now remain open throughout the year. Since Ladakh is a border area, therefore, for security reasons, the normal goods that had to be transported by air, can now be transported by road after the construction and opening of this tunnel, therefore, this is very important,” he said.
“People are happy, and we thank the Central government. The Prime Minister will inaugurate it on January 13. The Central government, especially Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, has taken many steps in this regard,” he added.
The tunnel, along with the nearby Zoji-La tunnel, is very important in providing climate protection connectivity to places like Baltal (Amarnath Cave), Kargil, and Ladakh. The infrastructure will not only improve military performance but will also stimulate tourism and economic activities, creating job opportunities for the local youth.
Started in 2018, the Z-Morh Tunnel is one of 31 roads under construction in the region – 20 in Jammu and Kashmir and 11 in Ladakh.
This project, however, faced painful challenges, including the terrorist attack on October 20, 2024, when two terrorists stormed a labor camp in Gagangir, killing seven civilians, including six non-local workers and a local doctor.
The opening of the Z-Morh Tunnel marks a milestone in improving connectivity and promoting development in the region, further strengthening its geostrategic and economic importance.
