Inauguration by PM Modi:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Z-Morh Tunnel.
- The inauguration is scheduled for Monday, marking PM Modi’s first visit to Kashmir since the election of the new government in the Union Territory last October.
Strategic and Economic Significance:
- The Z-Morh Tunnel provides all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, a famous tourist resort in Kashmir.
- It will connect Kashmir and Ladakh, ensuring year-round access, which is crucial for both tourism and strategic military reasons.
Details of the Tunnel:
- The tunnel is 6.4 km long with a 5.6 km approach road.
- It connects Gagangir in Ganderbal district to Sonamarg.
- Developed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
- The tunnel will ensure winter tourism by making the region accessible even in harsh weather conditions.
Z-Morh Tunnel Name Origin:
- Named after the Z-shaped road stretch that existed at the location of the tunnel.
- The previous road was prone to snow avalanches during winters, making the region inaccessible for most of the year.
Security Measures:
- Enhanced security throughout Kashmir, especially around the tunnel project and Ganderbal district, in light of PM Modi’s visit.
- The visit is significant as it is PM Modi’s first visit since the election of the new government in Kashmir last October.
- Militant attack on the project site in October 2023 led to the killing of seven workers.
Tourism and Local Impact:
- The tunnel is expected to boost winter tourism in Sonamarg and help develop the region as a prominent ski resort.
- The local population will no longer need to leave the area in the winter months due to inaccessibility.
Construction and Timeline:
- The Z-Morh tunnel project was initiated by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012.
- Initially awarded to Tunnelway Ltd, the project was later taken over by NHIDCL.
- The project faced delays, with a soft opening in February 2024 and official inauguration delayed due to the UT Assembly elections.
- The Zoji-la Tunnel project, which connects Sonamarg to Drass in Ladakh, is also underway and is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Geopolitical Importance:
- The tunnel will enhance connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, providing critical infrastructure for strategic military movements and economic development.
Future Prospects:
- The completion of both the Z-Morh Tunnel and Zoji-la Tunnel will significantly improve the infrastructure and connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, with potential for long-term economic and tourism benefits.
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