Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonamarg on January 13, 2025, marking a significant milestone for transportation in Jammu and Kashmir.
This inauguration ceremony witnessed many well-known dignitaries, including J&K's chief minister, Omar Abdullah; Union Minister Nitin Gadkari; and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, is a 6.5-kilometre-long tunnel that will provide all-weather connectivity from Sonmarg to Srinagar.
This project aims to boost tourism by providing reliable access to Sonamarg year-round while also facilitating trade and economic development in the region.
According to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the tunnel will establish Sonmarg as a premier winter sports destination, similar to Gulmarg, which is known for its skiing resorts.
What is the Z-Morh Tunnel? Overview and Key Features
The Z-Morh Tunnel is a significant infrastructure project located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
This 6.5 km long bi-directional tunnel connects Gagangir and Sonamarg, enhancing connectivity in the region, especially during harsh winter conditions.
Key Features
- Length and Structure: The tunnel spans 6.5 km, with an additional 6.05 km of approach roads leading to both portals. It is designed as a two-lane road with a width of 10 metres.
- Altitude: Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,637 metres (8,652 feet) above sea level, the tunnel provides all-weather access to the tourist destination of Sonamarg, which is often affected by snow and avalanches.
- Traffic Capacity: The Z-Morh Tunnel is engineered to accommodate up to 1,000 vehicles per hour, allowing for a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h.
- Emergency Features: It includes a parallel 7.5-metre-wide escape tunnel, which serves dual purposes—emergency evacuation and potential railway use.
- Construction Methodology: The tunnel was constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), which is known for its efficiency in tunnelling through challenging geological conditions.
- Strategic Importance: This tunnel plays a crucial role in enhancing not only civilian travel but also military logistics in the region, particularly for operations related to the Ladakh area. It is part of the larger NH1 Srinagar-Leh Highway network.
- Cost and Timeline: The project was approved at an estimated cost of around ₹2,700 crore (approximately $325.3 million) and began construction in May 2015, with completion achieved in 2024.
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Z-Morh Tunnel Map Details
The Z-Morh Tunnel is strategically located on the Srinagar-Leh Highway in Jammu and Kashmir, connecting Gagangir to Sonamarg. Here are some key details regarding its map and geographical context:
Location Details
- Starting Point: Gagangir
- Ending Point: Sonamarg
- Coordinates: The tunnel is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,637 meters (8,652 feet) above sea level.
Map Overview
The Z-Morh Tunnel's route replaced a Z-shaped stretch of road that was prone to avalanches and landslides, significantly improving travel safety and efficiency. The tunnel itself spans 6.5 km, with an additional 6.05 km of approach roads leading to both portals.
Significance
The tunnel enhances year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, facilitating easier access to the popular tourist destination while also supporting military logistics.
It is part of a broader infrastructure initiative that includes the adjacent Zojila Tunnel, aimed at improving connectivity in the region.
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Project Cost and Timeline: How Much Did the Z-Morh Tunnel Cost?
The Z-Morh Tunnel project started in May 2015 but faced delays when the original contractor, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS), stopped working in 2018 due to financial issues. It has now been completed at a cost of approximately ₹2,700 crore (around $325.3 million).
Conclusion
The Z-Morh Tunnel is about 6.5 kilometres long, with additional structures like a parallel escape tunnel of 6.426 kilometres and approach roads stretching 5.568 kilometres.
The drill-and-blast method was used to build the tunnel, which works well in the hard rock of the Himalayan region. Explosives such as ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) were used for blasting, helping break the rock into smaller pieces. Each blast removed around 3 meters of rock.
The construction involved a lot of steel and concrete, with support systems inside the tunnel made of shotcrete, rock bolts, wire mesh, and umbrella pipe roofing. These materials were chosen to ensure the tunnel stays safe and strong over time.
Furthermore, several organisations played important roles in the project. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) helped with the planning, and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) took over management in 2019.
The construction was done by APCO Infratech through a special company called APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited.
This tunnel is part of a larger project, which also includes the Zojila Tunnel, expected to be completed by 2028. Together, these tunnels will reduce travel distance from 49 kilometres to 43 kilometres, increase vehicle speed from 30 km/h to 70 km/h, and improve the road connection between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh.
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