In News:

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel at Sonamarg, which has now been renamed the Sonamarg Tunnel.

Key Takeaways:

• A 6.4-km bi-directional tunnel with an approach road of 5.6 km, Z-Morh connects the Sonamarg health resort with Kangan town in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
• The tunnel has acquired its name for the Z-shaped road stretch that was previously at the place where the tunnel is being constructed.
• The Z-Morh project was initiated by the Border Roads Organisation in 2012. Although the BRO awarded the construction contract to Tunnelway Ltd, the project was subsequently taken over by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

Significance

Strategic Importance

• Connectivity: Provides all-weather connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh, ensuring year-round access.
• Military Significance:
  • Critical for rapid deployment of Indian Armed Forces to Ladakh’s border areas, particularly in the context of tensions with Pakistan and China.
  • Reduces dependence on air transport, lowering costs and increasing the longevity of the Indian Air Force’s aircraft.
• Adjacent Projects:
  • Zojila Tunnel: An even more crucial project connecting Sonamarg to Drass in Ladakh, with an expected completion by December 2026 (extended to 2030). This will bypass the avalanche-prone Zojila Pass.
  • Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Z-Morh Tunnel supports the key Srinagar-Leh route, which is important for defence logistics and trade.

Economic Significance

• Tourism:
  • Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold," will benefit from year-round accessibility, boosting tourism.
  • Local businesses that rely on seasonal tourist traffic will have consistent revenue flow.
• Trade and Agriculture:
  • Reduced travel time and improved road safety will benefit farmers and traders, especially for those transporting goods between Kashmir and Ladakh.
  • Facilitates increased investment and economic growth in the region.

Broader Infrastructure Projects in Jammu & Kashmir

Several key infrastructure projects are contributing to regional development:

• Zojila Tunnel
  • Cost: ?6,800 crore
  • Length: 13 km tunnel, bypassing Zojila Pass.
  • Completion: Expected by 2030.
  • Strategic Importance: Provides all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.
• Srinagar Semi-Ring Road
  • Cost: ?2,919 crore
  • Objective: Relieve traffic congestion in five districts, including Srinagar.
  • Delay: New completion date is June 2025.
• Hydroelectric Power Projects:
  • Ratle HE Project: 850 MW, on Chenab River, Kishtwar district.
  • Kwar HE Project: 540 MW, in Kishtwar.
  • Pakal Dul HE Project: 1,000 MW, on the Marusudar River, Kishtwar.
  • Kiru HE Project: 624 MW, on Chenab River, Kishtwar.
  • Strategic Relevance: These projects will enhance energy security and contribute to the region’s power grid.

In News:

Seven people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir when suspected militants targeted the workers of infrastructure company APCO Infratech, which is constructing the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway. This is the first militant attack on a key infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir. In the past, militants have not targeted such infrastructure projects in the region.

What is the Z-Morh Tunnel?

• Length: 6.4 kilometers
• Connection: Links Sonamarg (a popular tourist destination) with Kangan town in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
• Construction Site: Located near Gagangir village, ahead of Sonamarg.
• Naming: The tunnel gets its name from the Z-shaped road near the construction site.

Importance of the Z-Morh Tunnel

• All-Weather Connectivity: The tunnel is crucial for year-round access to Sonamarg, particularly in the winter when the road is often blocked by snow avalanches.
• Location: Situated at 8,500 feet above sea level, the tunnel provides a safe, all-weather route for tourists and locals, especially during winter months when access to Sonamarg is typically limited.

Strategic Importance

• Part of Zojila Tunnel Project:
  • The Z-Morh tunnel is integral to the larger Zojila tunnel project, which aims to provide all-weather connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh.
  • The Zojila Tunnel, under construction at an altitude of around 12,000 feet, will connect Sonamarg (Kashmir) to Drass (Ladakh) and is expected to be completed by December 2026.
• Military and Strategic Significance:
  • The Z-Morh tunnel is crucial for rapid military mobilization between Srinagar, Kargil, Leh, and Drass regions.
  • It ensures quick access for military personnel to the Ladakh border, particularly in areas of heightened security like Siachen Glacier and the Turtuk sub-sector (on the Pakistan border).
  • The tunnel will reduce dependence on air transport for troop and supply movements to forward areas, leading to cost savings and extended aircraft lifespan.