Z-Morh Tunnel Enhances Year-Round Kashmir-Ladakh Connectivity

Why in the news?

The Z-Morh Tunnel, spanning 6.5 km, ensures all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, vital for civilian and military access. It addresses challenges posed by heavy snowfall and avalanches, boosting national defense and infrastructure.

Z-Morh Tunnel Enhances Year-Round Kashmir-Ladakh Connectivity

Importance for Connectivity

  • All-Weather Access: Provides year-round connectivity to Sonamarg, which is inaccessible during winter due to snow and avalanches.
  • Vehicle Capacity: Designed for 1,000 vehicles per hour, with a maximum speed of 80 km/h.
  • Features: Includes an Intelligent Traffic Management System, 6.426 km Escape Tunnel, and 0.6 km Ventilation Tunnel.
  • No Toll: Users will not be required to pay a toll tax for using the tunnel.

Strategic Significance

  • Military and Civil Use: Ensures uninterrupted connectivity to Ladakh, critical for the movement of military personnel and supplies to areas along the LOC and LAC.
  • Complementary Infrastructure: Works alongside the 14.15 km Zojila Tunnel, enhancing year-round access.
  • National Defense: Enhances India’s defense and transportation infrastructure, reinforcing its strategic capabilities in the region.

Z-Morh Tunnel Key Points:

  • Inauguration: To be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on January 13, 2025.
  • Name Origin: Named after the Z-shaped road stretch it replaces; “Z-Morh” means “Z-turn.”
  • Aim: To provide all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Location: Between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Construction: Built under Thajiwas Glacier between Gagangir and Sonamarg.
  • Need: The Gagangir-Sonamarg road gets blocked by snowfall and avalanches every year.
  • Specifications:
  • 6.5 km long, 2-lane road tunnel.
  • Main tunnel: 10.8 meters wide, modified horseshoe shape: 7.5 meters.
  • D-shaped ventilation tunnel: 8.3 meters.
  • Travel Time: Only 15 minutes to cross the 6.5 km tunnel, compared to hours on the zig-zag road.
  • Strategic Significance: First strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh.
  • Advantages: Enhances military logistics, boosts tourism, and improves the local economy.
  • Employment: Promotes local youth employment and supports tourism activities.
  • Regional Connectivity: Together with Zojila Tunnel, ensures year-round connectivity to Baltal, Kargil, and Ladakh.
  • Zojila Tunnel: Under construction, will be Asia’s longest tunnel, cutting through the Himalayan range to Kargil.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times