PM Modi to inaugurate Z-Morh Tunnel on Monday 13 Jan 2025

The Z-Morh tunnel is a crucial infrastructure project aimed at ensuring year-round access between Kashmir and Ladakh, significantly enhancing connectivity for both civilian and military purposes.

The 6.5-km long 2 lane road tunnel, built at a cost of ₹2,680 crore, is designed to bypass landslide-prone areas, making it vital for maintaining access during harsh winter conditions.

The road used before was avalanche-prone and used to get blocked for several months, but the Z-Morh tunnel provides all-weather connectivity to the Sonamarg tourist town.

It takes only 15 minutes to travel the 6.5 km long tunnel compared to hours over the zig-zag road up and down the hills.

Z-Morh Tunnel

West portal of Z-Morh tunnel

It is one of the 31 road tunnels , 20 in J&K and 11 in Ladakh, constructed at a combined cost of INR1400 billion.

The Z-Morh Tunnel, along with the Zoji-La Tunnel, located 325km west towards Leh , will ensure uninterrupted connection between Srinagar and Kargil.

The completion of the Z-Morh tunnel will also significantly reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh as commuters will no longer need to stay overnight in Kargil to compete the trip.

The tunnel will increase social and economic development throughout the region and boost tourism in Sonamarg, which boasts attractions including the Thajiwas Glacier and activities such as whitewater rafting on the Sind River.

Security measures have been significantly intensified in Kashmir ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, 2025.

This visit marks Modi’s first since the establishment of an elected government in the Union Territory.