PM Modi visiting J&K on January 13 to inaugurate Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district

This is particularly important for the movement of military personnel to border areas.

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK

Srinagar, January 09 (STC): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to make its first visit on January 13 to Jammu & Kashmir after the formation of National Conference-led government on October 16, 2024. He will be inaugurating the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh highway in Ganderbal district.
According to the reports, a Special Protection Group team is arriving in Srinagar on Thursday to ensure the security on the route and the venue ahead of the PM’s visit.
The PM is likely to address a small gathering as well during his visit, says the report.
While commenting on this high profile event, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted a statement on his social media handle: “J&K, especially central Kashmir, looks forward to the inauguration of a vital piece of infrastructure in the coming days. This asset will be a game changer for the expansion of winter tourism in the valley,” J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah wrote on social media.
Remarkably, the Z-Morh tunnel in district Ganderbal is a 6.4-km long tunnel, located near Gagangir village, designed to ensure all-weather access to Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination along the Srinagar-Leh highway. The name “Z-Morh” refers to the Z-shaped road section near the construction site.
Why was the tunnel needed?
The area where the tunnel is has been constructed sits at an altitude of over 8,500 ft and is prone to snow avalanches, which make the road to Sonamarg impassable during most part of the winter.
When did work on the project begin?
Originally planned by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012, the project was initially awarded to Tunnelway Ltd. However, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) later took over and re-tendered the contract, which was won by APCO Infratech through a special purpose vehicle, APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited.
What is the tunnel’s strategic significance?
In addition to providing all-weather access to Sonamarg, the tunnel is vital for ensuring year-round connectivity to Ladakh. This is particularly important for the movement of military personnel to border areas. While construction of the Zojila tunnel, which will connect Sonamarg in Kashmir with Drass in Ladakh, is ongoing and expected to finish by December 2026, the tunnel is crucial for maintaining all-weather routes in the region.
The Z-Morh tunnel is also important for the success of the Zojila tunnel project, which is situated at an altitude of approximately 12,000 ft. (STC)

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