Location and Connectivity

Located 25 kilometre from Sonamarg on the Srinagar- Leh highway, the Z-Morh Tunnel enjoys excellent location to provide access to Sonamarg, a tourist destination which remains closed for several months in the year due to snowfall. The tunnel starts at Gagangir and links Sonamarg directly instead of covering the treacherous Zojila Pass which otherwise remains blocked due to snow.

Specifications

Length:

It is 6.5 kilometers (about 4 miles) long to provide a comfortable connection through mountainous regions. WIKIPEDIA

Design:

Safe from hurricanes and different other extreme weather conditions, the tunnel has necessary technological facilities like the ventilation, the evacuation passages, the observation of travelers, and the like. WIKIPEDIA

Strategic Importance

However, other than helping to evacuate civilians and promote tourism, strategic military importance is attributed to this tunnel. It improves the ‘air deployability of the India Armed Forces especially to the Leh area in Ladakh territory that is strategically sensitive because of its geographical location near the boundaries of a neighboring country. AP NEWS

Current Status

On January 13, 2025, the Z-Morh Tunnel has been commissioned for use, thus offering change-affected weather condition connectivity to the district and the valley of Sonamarg besides enhancing link between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. AP NEWS

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

From the point of UPSC aspirate’s stand –the Z-Morh Tunnel is important in the context of the subjects like development of infrastructure, connectivity and military strategy in India. Knowledge of its role helps to have a more or less a good picture about improvements and security in Jammu and Kashmir Indian state.