Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Monday and open the strategically important Z-Morh Tunnel in Ganderbal district. Pompous security preparations have been undertaken for the ceremony, where the Prime Minister’s security team has taken charge of procuring the venue. The Prime Minister is going to address from the Sonamarg Tunnel around 11:45 AM.
A strong security presence by way of Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and the Army ensures that the events are carried on smoothly. There are area domination exercises, searches, and patrols are being carried on with sharp shooters at key places. Aerial and drone surveillances too are in the process with effective round-the-clock monitoring.
The officials have said that the highway connecting Srinagar to Leh was closed on Saturday, Monday, because of inclement weather and road maintenance. However, it is very much believed to be for facilitating the visit of the PM.
Z-Morh Tunnel: A Strategic Marvel
The Z-Morh Tunnel, built for ₹2,400 crore, is a 6.5 km tunnel along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. Last year, the tunnel was finished with a soft opening in February 2024 and will see year-round accessibility to the Ladakh region. It bypasses the risks presented by landslides and avalanches. It will be essential to civilian travel, but military operations near the China border also gain importance from it.
The tunnel is located at an altitude of 8,650 feet and forms part of a 12-kilometre infrastructure that includes a main tunnel, an egress tunnel, and approach roads.It offers a two-lane road with a 7.5-metre-wide escape passage for emergencies. This engineering marvel will enhance connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, reducing the travel disruptions caused by severe winter conditions.
The Future of Connectivity
It would help transform Sonamarg as a year-round destination, supporting the tourism economy and local livelihoods. At the same time, it supplements the ongoing Zojila Tunnel construction, improving connectivity to Ladakh. By 2028, when completed, the route will be cut short from 49 km to 43 km and vehicle speed from 30 km/h to 70 km/h.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, NHIDCL, has termed the Z-Morh Tunnel as a “game-changer” for trade and tourism in the region. The tunnel will be fitted with advanced technologies to enable real-time updates and shall be an important development in the infrastructure of the region.
