Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel, a project worth Rs 2,700 crore in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel will provide year-round connectivity to the region, benefiting local residents and businesses alike.
A new 6.5 km-long, two-lane bi-directional road tunnel has been constructed at an altitude of 8,650 ft, connecting Gagangir to Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district. The tunnel features a parallel 7.5-metre escape passage for emergencies. The significant aspect of this infrastructure is that it bypasses landslide and avalanche-prone areas, thereby improving the accessibility between Srinagar and Leh.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the inauguration ceremony.
Additionally, the project enhances defence logistics and drives socio-economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Alongside the upcoming Zojila tunnel, set for completion by 2028, the Z-Morh tunnel will reduce the distance between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh from 49 km to 43 km, doubling vehicle speeds to 70 km/hr.
Initially planned for completion by 2016-17, the project faced delays after the original concessionaire, IL&FS, halted work in 2018 due to financial issues. The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2012, and the project was re-tendered in 2019, with APCO Infratech awarded the contract in 2020. This infrastructure milestone underscores the government’s commitment to improving connectivity, fostering regional integration, and bolstering tourism in the state.
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