J&K

PM Modi Inaugurates 6.4-km Z-Morh Tunnel, Ensuring Year-Round Access to Sonamarg

Srinagar, Jan 13 (KNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the 6.4-km-long Z-Morh Tunnel in  Ganderbal district, marking a major boost to connectivity and tourism in the region. The tunnel, which links Gagangir to Sonamarg, will provide all-weather access by replacing the avalanche-prone Z-turn road.  


The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Built at a cost of over ?2,700 crore, the two-lane bi-directional road tunnel also features a 7.5-meter-wide escape passage for emergencies.  

Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet, the Z-Morh Tunnel ensures uninterrupted travel between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche-prone areas.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel  

Work on the tunnel began in 2015 but faced delays after the original concessionaire, IL&FS, halted operations in 2018 due to financial stress. The project was later retendered and awarded to APCO Infratech in 2020.  

The foundation stone was originally laid in 2012 by then Surface Transport Minister CP Joshi, alongside former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Initially set for completion in 2016-17, the project now stands as a milestone in J&K’s infrastructure development. (KNS)

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