PM Modi To Unveil The Strategic Z-Morh Tunnel In J&K On January 13, His 12th Visit To The Region Since 2014
Built at a cost of ₹2,400 crore on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, the strategic 6.5-km bi-directional tunnel will be a major step towards making year-round access to the strategically important Ladakh region.
PM Modi To Unveil The Strategic Z-Morh Tunnel In J&K On January 13, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the highly anticipated Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on January 13. This strategic 6.5-kilometer tunnel, built at a cost of ₹2,400 crore, will ensure year-round connectivity to Sonamarg, a crucial tourist town.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has visited the site to review preparations, inspect the tunnel, and thank the engineers and workers for their dedication to the landmark project. In a post on X, PM Modi reacted and said he was "eagerly awaiting" the tunnel inauguration.
All About the Z-Morh
- 6.5 km tunnel length with 6.05 km approach roads
- 10-meter-wide, two-lane bi-directional road structure
- Parallel 7.5-meter-wide escape tunnel
- Ventilation system and two portals (Western and Eastern)
- Designed to handle up to 1,000 vehicles per hour at 80 kmph
- Built using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM)
- Part of the NH1 Srinagar-Leh Highway, approved at a cost of Rs 24 billion
Located at an altitude of 2,637 meters, the tunnel features a parallel escape tunnel for emergencies and potential railway use. Furthermore, it will replace the treacherous Z-turn road, which is prone to avalanches and closures during the winter months.
