What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
SRINAGAR: For the first time, the scenic Sonamarg valley in Kashmir is set to stay open during winter, thanks to the soon-to-be-inaugurated Z-Morh tunnel. This critical link on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, connecting Gagangir to Sonamarg, will be inaugurated on January 26 next year.
Sources reveal that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the tunnel alongside the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), enabling seamless train travel between New Delhi and Baramulla.
The Z-Morh tunnel project, launched in 2020 at a cost of ₹2,400 crore, is located in Ganderbal district of Central Kashmir. Despite setbacks, including a tragic attack in September that claimed seven lives, including a local doctor, the project is now ready to enhance connectivity.
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Stretching 6.4 km and built using the advanced New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), the tunnel is tailored to Himalayan terrains. It features an additional 4.8 km approach road connecting Kulan on NH1 and a 0.9 km link road to Sonamarg.
“This development is part of a broader plan, including the 13.5-km Zojila tunnel, expected to be completed by December 2026. Together, these projects will ensure uninterrupted connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, even during harsh winters,” said an official. The Z-Morh tunnel also holds strategic importance for military logistics in Ladakh.
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Residents view the project as a game-changer for tourism and livelihoods. “Sonamarg remains cut off for six months due to snow, affecting businesses. This tunnel will transform the region’s economy,” said a local shopkeeper.
The Z-Morh tunnel promises not only all-weather access but also a boost to tourism and strategic infrastructure in Kashmir.
