PM Modi inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel, reducing 1-hour journey to just 15 minutes

Sonmarg (The Uttam Hindu): On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel in the Sonamarg region of Jammu and Kashmir. After the inauguration, the Prime Minister inspected the tunnel, accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Following the unveiling, PM Modi engaged with the team responsible for the construction of the tunnel who briefed him on the process and challenges faced during the project. Despite several obstacles, the tunnel was successfully completed.

The tunnel, located on the Srinagar-Sonamarg route is crucial for the regional development and connectivity of Jammu and Kashmir. Previously, traveling between Gagangir and Sonamarg took over an hour. With the tunnel, this journey will now be completed in just 15 minutes. Additionally, vehicle speeds will increase from 30 km/h to 70 km/h. What once took 3-4 hours to cross the hilly terrain will now take only 45 minutes. Spanning 6.5 kilometers, the tunnel will make travel between Srinagar and Sonamarg more convenient. Its opening ensures year-round accessibility of this route which previously used to close during winter. The tunnel is expected to boost tourism in the Sonamarg region, which faced seasonal traffic disruptions in the past.

With continuous access, Sonamarg could become a major attraction for tourists. The nearly 12-kilometer project was built at a cost of over ₹2,700 crore and includes a 6.4-kilometer main tunnel an escape tunnel and access roads. Located at an altitude of 8,650 feet the bridge will enhance connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, ensuring all-weather access to Ladakh. The Z-Morh Tunnel features an Intelligent Traffic Management System,which will make traffic control more efficient. Additionally, a dedicated escape tunnel will facilitate smoother traffic movement.