Modi inaugurates key Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir as infra boost in border UT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the strategically important Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonamarg town on Monday.

The inauguration of this key project will provide a boost to both infrastructure and tourism in the Union Territory.

This 6.5km tunnel will make travel to Ladakh easier and provide all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg.

PM interacts with project officials, construction workers

After inaugurating the tunnel, PM Modi went inside and spoke with the project officials.
He also met the construction workers who worked hard in harsh climatic conditions to complete the tunnel.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were also present at the inauguration.

The PM landed in Srinagar at 10.45 am and then flew to Sonamarg for the inauguration. He will also address a public meeting.

This is his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the assembly elections in September-October last year.

Name ‘Z-Mohr’

The name “Z-Morh” comes from its Z-shaped structure, and “Morh” meaning “turn” in Hindi.

Key features of the Z-Morh tunnel

This 6.5 km-long tunnel is a two-lane bi-directional road between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district, central Kashmir.

It also has a parallel 7.5-meter escape passage for emergencies.

The Z-Morh tunnel is located at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level. The tunnel will improve all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg and will also ease travel to Leh.

It will also provide connectivity throughout the year to the famous Amarnath Caves in Baltal, as well as other parts of Ladakh

The previous road used before the tunnel was prone to avalanches and was typically closed during the winter.

The project is part of the 12-km long Tunnel project, which will be completed by 2028. The overall cost of the project was around Rs 2,700 crore.