Inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel: A Milestone for Connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Inauguration of Z-Morh Tunnel |
| Date | 13th January, 2025 |
| Inaugurated by | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Location | Connects Gagangir in Ganderbal district to Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir |
| Length | 6.5 kilometers |
| Type | Two-lane road tunnel |
| Altitude | 8,650 feet |
| Cost | ₹2,400 crore |
| Main Tunnel Length | 6.4 kilometers |
| Features | Two-lane bi-directional road with a parallel 7.5-meter-wide escape passage |
| Strategic Importance | Enhances defense logistics and ensures uninterrupted connectivity to the Ladakh region near the China border |
| Benefits | Boosts tourism in Sonamarg, stimulates economic growth, improves quality of life for residents, and facilitates trade |
| Related Project | Part of the larger Zojila Tunnel project |
| Zojila Tunnel Project | Launched in 2018; Asia's longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel; provides all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh |
| Zojila Pass | High mountain pass in Kargil district of Ladakh; links Leh and Srinagar; remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall |