The Rs 2,700-crore project will connect Gagangir to Sonmarg and will provide uninterrupted, year-round, all-weather road connectivity to Ladakh; PM promises rail connectivity to Kashmir soon
January 14, 2025 - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday (January 13) inaugurated the strategically-important Z-Morh Tunnel (Sonmarg Tunnel) on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway-1, located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. The double-lane tunnel has been constructed at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore and will connect Gagangir to Sonmarg. The tunnel project, around 12 kms long, comprises the Sonmarg main tunnel, which is 6.4 kms long, an egress tunnel and approach roads.
The Z-Morh Tunnel replaces the Z-shaped stretch of road which was prone to avalanches and landslide. The tunnel will bypass landslide and avalanche routes and ensure safe access to the Ladakh region. It will not only provide year-round, all-weather road connectivity to Ladakh but will also play a crucial role in national defence and regional development.
The project was initiated in May 2015 under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and was completed in 2024.
Located at an elevation of 8,652 feet above sea level, the tunnel is designed for the flow of 1,000 vehicles an hour at maximum speed of 80 km her hour. It has a 7.5-meter-wide parallel route (for emergency and potential railway use) and is a key part of the Zojila Tunnel project, set for completion by 2028. Once the Zojila Tunnel is finished, year-round connectivity will be possible for Kargil, Ladakh and Baltal.
Speaking at the inauguration, PM Modi said that with Z-Morh Tunnel connectivity will remain operational throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. He also said that this project will boost tourism in Sonmarg and the surrounding areas. He added that Kashmir will soon be connected by rail, highlighting another major connectivity project currently underway.
The PM met with the workers who built the tunnel and praised their efforts, saying, “The workers risked their lives in difficult conditions. Despite challenges, they never gave up and never talked about returning home. They overcame every obstacle to complete this task."
Present at the opening were Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Union Territory’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, among other officials.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Abdullah said: “We hope that you (PM Modi) will soon fulfil your promise made during the Yoga Day event... Jammu and Kashmir will soon take its place as a State in the country. On this happy occasion, I would like to thank you that you came here in this intense cold and inaugurating this tunnel”.
Key Benefits of Z-Mohr Tunnel:
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