Z-Morh Tunnel: PM Modi’s Present To Jammu and Kashmir Quickly – Test Particulars | India Information
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is about to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, a major infrastructure undertaking in Jammu and Kashmir that can guarantee all-weather connectivity between Kashmir, Sonamarg, and Ladakh.
The 6.5-kilometer tunnel, situated within the Gagangir space of Ganderbal district alongside the Srinagar-Leh freeway, has been constructed at a value of Rs 2,400 crore. This might be Modi’s first go to to Jammu and Kashmir because the 2024 meeting elections and the formation of an elected authorities within the Union Territory.
The tunnel has been in-built an avalanche-prone area the place the street to Sonamarg is usually blocked throughout winter months. This strategically necessary tunnel will enable year-round entry to Sonamarg, a preferred vacationer vacation spot in Kashmir, and can play a key function in facilitating journey to Ladakh as soon as the Zojila tunnel is accomplished.
Named after the Z-shaped street on the tunnel’s location, the Z-Morh tunnel goals to boost connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, and ultimately Ladakh, as soon as the Zojila tunnel is completed. The street, located at over 8,500 toes above sea stage, is extremely weak to winter climate circumstances, making the tunnel a vital answer to those challenges.
The tunnel holds each strategic and financial significance for the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Whereas it ensures uninterrupted entry to Sonamarg, it additionally strengthens the connection between Ladakh and the remainder of India. The tunnel’s strategic significance is heightened by Ladakh’s proximity to delicate border areas, offering faster and extra dependable entry for army personnel. The Zojila tunnel, anticipated to be accomplished by December 2026, will additional improve this connectivity by linking Sonamarg with Drass in Ladakh.
Development of the tunnel started in 2012 by the Border Roads Group (BRO), and the undertaking was initially awarded to Tunnelways Restricted. Nonetheless, it was later taken over by the Nationwide Highways and Infrastructure Growth Company Ltd (NHIDCL), which re-awarded the undertaking by means of tenders. The contract was secured by APCO Infratech, which is executing the undertaking by means of a particular objective automobile, APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Personal Restricted. The tunnel is now anticipated to be accomplished at a revised price of Rs 2,680 crore, essential for each civilian and army motion to Ladakh year-round.
The Z-Morh tunnel is an important element of the bigger Zojila tunnel undertaking, the longest street tunnel in India, which is able to allow all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah just lately tweeted, expressing anticipation for the inauguration of this key infrastructure undertaking. “Jammu and Kashmir, significantly central Kashmir, is awaiting the inauguration of a vital piece of infrastructure within the coming days. The asset will show to be a recreation changer for the enlargement of winter tourism within the valley,” he mentioned.
The tunnel’s development has not been with out challenges. One among its development websites was focused by militants in a terror assault on October 20 final yr, which claimed the lives of seven staff, together with a health care provider. Since then, the tunnel has been underneath tight safety surveillance.
