To be inaugurated by PM Modi today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, marking a significant milestone in ensuring year-round connectivity to Ladakh via the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.

Situated at an altitude of 8,652 feet above sea level, the 6.5-km, two-lane tunnel links Gagangir, located 68 km from Srinagar, with the scenic town of Sonamarg. Named after the Z-shaped stretch of road it bypasses, the tunnel eliminates the avalanche-prone section of the route that was often blocked for months due to heavy snowfall. Travel time through this segment will now be reduced from over two hours to just 15 minutes.

Construction of the Z-Morh tunnel began in May 2015 under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This is part of the broader Zoji La Tunnel project aimed at establishing uninterrupted road access between Ladakh and Srinagar.

Strategic importance

The Zoji La Tunnel, a 14-km U-shaped structure currently under construction further east, will bypass the 11,575-foot-high Zoji La Pass, one of the world’s most treacherous. Once completed in about two years, the Zoji La Tunnel will significantly bolster India’s defense posture in the Ladakh and Kargil sectors, where Indian troops are stationed along the Line of Control with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control with China.

The commissioning of the Z-Morh Tunnel will benefit the civilian population of Sonamarg by providing them with reliable access to Srinagar and Jammu for daily needs. Additionally, it is expected to boost tourism in the area, a major contributor to the region’s economy.

Future tunnel projects

The Z-Morh tunnel is part of a larger effort to improve connectivity to Ladakh and other northern border areas. On the Manali-Leh axis, the Atal Tunnel under the Rohtang Pass was inaugurated in 2020, and work is underway on the Baralacha La Tunnel at the Himachal-Ladakh border. Additional tunnels are planned under the Tangang La and Lachung La passes in Ladakh, all located at elevations exceeding 15,000 feet.

A third route from Manali to Leh, via the Zanskar Valley and the 16,800-foot Shinku La Pass, has recently opened. Construction of a tunnel under Shinku La has already received environmental clearance, further enhancing connectivity.

These projects fall under the Centre’s India-China Border Roads initiative, a comprehensive programme to build critical infrastructure along the northern and northeastern borders. The initiative involves constructing thousands of kilometers of roads, bridges, and tunnels, with contributions from organisations like the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), NHAI, and private entities.

Significance for defence

In winter, when roads are blocked, the sustenance of troops in the region relies heavily on Indian Air Force transport aircraft and helicopters. Year-round road access will significantly reduce reaction times, facilitate the movement of heavy equipment, and enable cost-effective logistics. For civilians, it promises better access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

Once the network of tunnels is complete, Ladakh and Kargil will enjoy all-weather connectivity via three routes — one from Srinagar and two from Manali. This will provide not only strategic advantages but also a massive boost to the socio-economic development of the region.

Courtesy: The Tribune India : 13th Jan, 2025