Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel, also known as the Sonamarg Tunnel, in Jammu and Kashmir. This event took place in the Ganderbal district, with the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, standing by PM Modi’s left as he cut the ribbon. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were also present at the ceremony.
The Z-Morh Tunnel will make travelling between Srinagar and Sonamarg easier and faster. This tunnel, which has been built to be safe in all kinds of weather, will save time and allow for better access to the region.
Key features of the Z-Morh tunnel
- Name and reason for construction
The tunnel is named after the Z-shaped stretch of road it replaces. This stretch was dangerous due to heavy rainfall and frequent avalanches, often blocking the route for months. - Project cost and length
The tunnel project cost over Rs 2,700 crore and is around 12 km long, consisting of a 6.4 km main tunnel and other supporting infrastructure. - High-altitude construction
The Z-Morh Tunnel is located at an altitude of 8,650 feet above sea level. It will cut travel time from over 2 hours to just 15 minutes. - Two-lane tunnel
The tunnel has two lanes for traffic. It’s designed to allow traffic in both directions and has an escape tunnel for emergencies. The escape tunnel is 7.5 meters wide. - Traffic and speed capacity
The Z-Morh Tunnel can handle 1,000 vehicles per hour, moving at a maximum speed of 80 km per hour. - Ventilation and safety systems
The tunnel is equipped with ventilation systems and has two entrance portals—one on the west and one on the east.
Part of a larger project
The Z-Morh Tunnel is part of a bigger project called the Zojila Tunnel, which will make travelling between Ladakh and Srinagar much easier. The Zojila Tunnel, which will be finished by 2028, will shorten the travel distance by 6 km and allow vehicles to go faster, from 30 km/h to 70 km/h.
Impact on economy and tourism
The Sonamarg Tunnel will help Jammu and Kashmir's economy grow by bringing in more tourists, especially to the areas near the Sindh River. Also, people travelling through the region won't have to stay overnight in Kargil anymore to finish their journey, making the trip quicker and easier.
Advanced technologies for safety
The Z-Morh Tunnel is equipped with modern technology to ensure safer and smoother travel. This includes a public address system for important announcements, fire detection and warning systems to alert people quickly in case of a fire, and a radio communication system to keep drivers informed. Additionally, dynamic road information panels provide real-time traffic updates to improve safety and help traffic flow more efficiently. These technologies will make the Z-Morh Tunnel an important development, making travel in Jammu and Kashmir faster, safer, and more reliable.