Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on January 13. This significant infrastructure project is expected to bring transformative changes to the region by providing year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, in addition to ensuring easier access to the popular tourist destination of Sonmarg.
The 6.5-kilometer-long Z-Morh tunnel has been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹2,400 crore. It is a two-lane tunnel equipped with a parallel 7.5-meter-wide emergency escape route. Situated at an altitude of 8,650 feet, the tunnel drastically reduces travel time to Sonmarg, cutting it down to just 15 minutes, a stark improvement compared to the lengthy hours required on the previous winding Z-shaped route.
The project is being hailed as an “engineering marvel” by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). According to officials, the tunnel will significantly boost tourism and trade in the region, unlocking its economic potential. The NHIDCL emphasized that the tunnel’s inauguration would play a crucial role in establishing Sonmarg as a premier ski resort while promoting local livelihoods and tourism.
The tunnel also holds strategic importance for the defense sector, ensuring all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. This enhanced accessibility will allow uninterrupted movement of personnel and supplies, even during the harsh winter months. Local communities, which often faced challenges in winter due to isolation, are expected to benefit immensely. The tunnel will enable them to remain in their villages year-round, while also reducing travel time from Srinagar to Kargil and Leh.
Ahead of the prime minister’s visit, the region is under multi-layered security surveillance. This follows the tragic incident on October 20 last year, when a terrorist attack near the tunnel’s construction site in the Gagangir area claimed seven lives, including that of a local doctor. Security officials have assured that extensive measures have been implemented to ensure a safe and smooth event.
Omar Abdullah, the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, visited Sonmarg on Saturday to oversee the final preparations for the inauguration. Sharing updates on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round, Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort.”
Prime Minister Modi responded to Abdullah’s post, expressing his enthusiasm for the event. “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy,” he wrote. Modi also praised the aerial pictures and videos shared by Abdullah.
The Z-Morh tunnel is being celebrated not just for its engineering prowess but also for its potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region. It is expected to act as a catalyst for growth, enhancing the quality of life for residents, boosting regional tourism, and strengthening India’s defense infrastructure.
