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Z-Morh Tunnel
Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, marking a significant milestone in the development of a strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh.
More on News:
- This will be the PM’s first visit to Kashmir since an elected government took charge in the Union Territory.
- The tunnel, located in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, is designed to provide all-weather connectivity to the tourist destination of Sonamarg, which was previously cut off during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
Key Features of the Z-Morh Tunnel:
- Location: Built under the Thajiwas Glacier, between Gagangir and Sonamarg.
- Length and Structure: The tunnel spans 6.5 kilometres and includes a 10.8-meter main tunnel, a 7.5-meter modified horseshoe-shaped escape tunnel, and an 8.3-meter D-shaped ventilation tunnel.
- Cost and Construction: Built at a cost of ₹2,680 crore, the project faced significant challenges, including a militant attack in October last year that resulted in the deaths of seven workers.
- An intelligent traffic management system will regulate vehicle flow and open up nearby attractions, like Thajiwas Glacier and the Sindh River, for adventure tourism.
Strategic Corridor to Ladakh:
- The Z-Morh Tunnel is part of a larger effort to create a strategic access route to Ladakh. The tunnel connects to the Zojila Tunnel (Asia’s longest tunnel), which is under construction and will further improve connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
- The Zojila Tunnel (13.14 km long, costing ₹6,800 crore) will significantly reduce travel time from 3 hours to just 20 minutes between Ganderbal (Kashmir) and Kargil (Ladakh), enhancing mobility and reducing the region’s dependence on seasonal roads.
Importance for Ladakh and National Security:
- The Zojila tunnel, located at an elevation of 2,700–3,300 meters, is crucial for maintaining connectivity to Ladakh, especially during winters when the Zojila Pass is closed due to snow.
- The project will facilitate the movement of goods, vehicles, and security forces into Ladakh, vital for national defence.
- Both the Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels are being constructed in seismic zone IV, and all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure their safety against natural disasters.
