Prime Minister Modi inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel in Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel in Gagangir in the Sonamarg area of the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir on 13 January 2025. The tunnel is part of the central government’s India-China Border Roads initiative which seeks to build road infrastructure along the northern and northeastern border. It is also expected to boost tourism in the area and provide uninterrupted connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh.

About the Z-Morh Tunnel or Sonmarg Tunnel 

The Z-Morh Tunnel is situated at an altitude of 8,652 feet above the mean sea level.

• The 6.5 km two-lane tunnel is built on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway which links Gagangir with the Sonmarg town in Ganderbal district of Kashmir.
• It is called Z-Morh due to the Z-shaped stretch of road it bypasses. The tunnel bypasses the avalanche-prone section of the route which is blocked during the winter month due to heavy snowfall.
• With the opening of the Tunnel, the commuting time between the two regions will be reduced from over two hours to just 15 minutes.
• Construction of the 2,400 crore Z-Morh tunnel began in May 2015 under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• The tunnel is part of the broader Zoji La Tunnel project which aims to provide round-the-clock road access between Srinagar and Ladakh.
• The tunnel was completed in February 2024 but it was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2025.

The strategic importance of the Z-Morh Tunnel

During the Kargil conflict in 1999 when the Pakistani force captured mountain heights in Kargil (in Ladakh) the Indian army faced huge problems in sending supplies to the troops at the forward base. 

• Ladakh remains cut off from the country during the winter season due to heavy snowfall. The troops in these areas are dependent on the Indian Air Force for supplies through helicopters and transport planes.
• To ensure uninterrupted connectivity to Ladkah, the government of India started a 14-km U-shaped Zoji La Tunnel and the Z-Morh Tunnel project.
• Once both the tunnels are complete it will significantly strengthen India’s defence in the Ladakh and Kargil sectors

Impact on Tourism and Connectivity

• The Z-Morh Tunnel will also benefit the civilian population of Sonamarg by providing them with reliable access to Srinagar and Jammu for daily needs.
• It will also boost tourism in the Sonmarg area where the tourists avoided visiting it in winter as the road access to the region was blocked.
• The state government intends to start a great ski resort in the region which is expected to benefit the economy of the region.