Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the much-anticipated Z-Morh Tunnel, now identified as the Sonamarg Tunnel on Monday. This landmark project located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, aims to provide year-round connectivity to Sonamarg.
Key Features Of The Sonamarg Tunnel
Length And Structure: The tunnel stretches 6.5 kilometers and is designed as a two-lane bi-directional road, allowing for efficient traffic flow. It includes an additional 6.05 kilometers of approach roads.
Altitude: Situated at an impressive altitude of 2,637 meters (approximately 8,652 feet) above sea level, the tunnel is engineered to withstand the region’s harsh weather conditions.
Safety And Efficiency: The tunnel features a parallel escape route that is 7.5 meters wide, serving both emergency purposes and as a potential railway tunnel. It can accommodate up to 1,000 vehicles per hour at speeds of up to 80 km/h.
Construction Method: Built using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), the Sonamarg Tunnel is designed to replace the avalanche-prone Z-turn road that previously connected Gagangir and Sonamarg.
Strategic Importance
The Sonamarg Tunnel is not only vital for tourism but also holds significant military importance. It serves as a crucial link for military logistics between Kashmir and Ladakh, enhancing India’s defense infrastructure in the region. The tunnel will ensure uninterrupted access even during winter months when heavy snowfall often blocks traditional routes.
Economic Impact
This infrastructure project is expected to transform the local economy by improving transportation for goods and services, particularly perishable items. It is projected that trade volumes will increase by 30% following the tunnel’s opening, creating numerous employment opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure maintenance sectors.
Visual Insights
Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, recently shared aerial pictures of Sonamarg showcasing its breathtaking beauty and the strategic location of the new tunnel. These images highlight both the natural splendor of the region and the engineering marvel that will soon connect it more effectively to broader transport networks.
More photos from the air of the area around the tunnel. pic.twitter.com/NdAToNGCW3
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 11, 2025
The Sonamarg Tunnel stands as a testament to India’s commitment to improving infrastructure in challenging terrains, promising enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and a boost to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
