On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the strategically crucial Z-Morh tunnel in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. The 6.5 km tunnel ensures seamless connectivity between Gagangir and Sonamarg, facilitating year-round travel to Ladakh. The soft opening of the tunnel had already occurred in February 2024.
Delighted to be amongst the wonderful people of Sonamarg. With the opening of the tunnel here, connectivity will significantly improve and tourism will see a major boost in Jammu and Kashmir. https://t.co/NQnu19ywpi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2025
All-Weather Connectivity
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) oversees the Z-Morh Tunnel project. It has described the tunnel as an “engineering marvel” and a game-changer for the region. Built at a cost of ₹2,400 crore on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, the Z-Morh tunnel is a pivotal step in making the Ladakh region accessible by road throughout the year.
The tunnel, situated at an altitude of 8,650 feet, is a two-lane road equipped with a 7.5-meter-wide escape passage. It ensures safer travel by bypassing avalanche-prone routes and landslides, significantly improving connectivity between Srinagar, Sonamarg, and Leh.
Along with the Zojila tunnel under construction, it will guarantee uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
The Z-Morh tunnel is set to boost winter tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round tourist destination. Previously cut off during winters due to snow and avalanches, the tunnel will enable consistent access to this scenic area. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that the tunnel would enhance tourism in Sonamarg. He also emphasized that it would bolster Gulmarg as a premier skiing destination, driving economic growth.
“Sonamarg will now remain open to tourism all year round, potentially developing into a significant ski destination,” Abdullah said, emphasizing the tunnel’s role in promoting adventure sports and local livelihoods.
Tribute to Martyrs
Addressing a rally post the inauguration of the tunnel, the Prime Minister today paid tributes to seven people who were killed in a terror attack near the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg in October last year.
“First of all, I would like to thank all the brothers who worked in the most difficult circumstances, risking their lives, for the progress of the country and Jammu and Kashmir,” the PM Modi said.
“Also, seven of our labour colleagues lost their lives, but the others completed this task by overcoming all challenges. Today, I would like to remember those seven colleagues we have lost,” he added.
The tunnel workers came under terror attack on October 20, 2024, when two terrorists entered the workers’ camp at Gagangir and fired indiscriminately. Seven civilians, including six non-local workers of the infrastructure company building the Z-Morh tunnel, were killed.
The Z-Morh Tunnel Project Timeline
The construction of Z-Morh tunnel began in May 2015, with the project facing delays due to financial issues with the initial concessionaire. In 2019, the authorities retendered the project and awarded it to APCO Infratech. Although the team initially expected to complete the tunnel by 2016-2017, they finished it in 2024, marking a major milestone for regional infrastructure.
