In order to guarantee all-weather communication between Srinagar and Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to officially open the Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, January 13. The two-lane, 6.5-kilometer tunnel connects Gagangir to Sonmarg, a well-liked tourist attraction, and is situated at an elevation of 8,652 feet on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. It cuts the trip time from more than two hours to just fifteen minutes by avoiding avalanche-prone zones.
The Z-Morh tunnel, which was started in 2015 by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and finished last year at a cost of ₹2,400 crore, is a component of the Center’s larger plan to improve connectivity in the Himalayan area. The project would replace the perilous Zoji La Pass and provide a vital link to Ladakh, along with the 14-kilometer Zoji La tunnel, which is now under development and should be finished by 2028. By supporting India’s defence infrastructure, these tunnels will provide year-round logistical and troop transportation in the Kargil and Ladakh regions.
For civilians, the Z-Morh tunnel is anticipated to transform Sonmarg into a year-round tourist destination, with plans to develop the area into a premier skiing and winter sports hub. Improved connectivity is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade, and provide better access to healthcare and education. The local economy is also set to benefit, as uninterrupted connectivity will allow residents to remain in the region during winters, creating new employment opportunities.
Security has been heightened ahead of the inauguration, with a 20-km-radius security zone established by the Special Protection Group (SPG), Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and paramilitary forces. Drone surveillance, checkpoints, and random frisking are in place to ensure safety.
The India-China Border Roads initiative, which aims to improve strategic connections in sensitive areas, includes this tunnel as one of its many infrastructure projects. To improve access to Ladakh and fortify India’s border infrastructure, more tunnels are being built, including the Baralacha La, Tangang La, and Lachung La on the Manali-Leh axis.
