Why in the News?

Some militants attacked workers building the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway, killing seven people.

What is the Z-Morh Tunnel?

• The Z-Morh tunnel is a 6.4-kilometer tunnel located near Gagangir village, connecting the Sonamarg health resort to Kangan town in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
  • It is part of the larger Zojila tunnel project, which aims to provide year-round road connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh.
• It is part of the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Leh highway.
• It is being constructed at an altitude of over 8,500 feet.
• It derives its name from the Z-shaped road stretch where it is being built.
• The project was originally conceived by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012.
• A soft opening of the tunnel was held in February 2024, although the full inauguration has been delayed.

Significance of the Z-Morh Tunnel

• The tunnel provides all-weather road connectivity to the Sonamarg health resort, ensuring that the popular tourist destination remains accessible year-round.
• It is essential for maintaining all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, a region of strategic importance for India, particularly due to the military presence along the border with Pakistan and China.
• The tunnel is strategically important for the Indian Army, as it provides quick and safe access to forward areas in Ladakh, reducing the dependence on air transport for the movement of troops and supplies.
• It will also reduce expenditure on air maintenance of forward locations, thereby increasing the lifespan of Indian Air Force aircraft.
• The tunnel will boost economic growth by improving accessibility to Sonamarg, thereby supporting tourism in the region.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now