On 13th January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the highly anticipated Z-Morh Tunnel, also called the Sonamarg Tunnel, in Jammu and Kashmir. The time for the inauguration has been set for 11:45 AM. This landmark infrastructure project will provide year-round connectivity to Sonamarg and the strategic Ladakh region, enhancing both defence logistics and tourism potential.
Prime Minister’s visit and response to CM Abdullah
During his visit for the inauguration, PM Modi will address a gathering and meet the workers who contributed to the construction of the tunnel. In a post on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir shared some photographs of the tunnel from his recent visit to inspect the preparations. In the post, he wrote, “Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM Narendra Modi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round. Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter, and the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also reduce.”
Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round, Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter &… pic.twitter.com/NxQtG7pkWP
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 11, 2025
Quoting his post, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to visit Sonamarg and wrote, “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir, for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!”
I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2025
Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos! https://t.co/JCBT8Ei175
What is the Z-Morh Tunnel
The Z-Morh or Sonamarg Tunnel is a 6.4-km-long bi-directional structure with a 5.6-km approach road that connects Gagangir in Ganderbal to the health resort of Sonamarg. The name of the tunnel has been derived from the Z-shaped stretch of road it replaces. The road, which is being used to date, is prone to avalanches during winter, leaving Sonamarg virtually inaccessible.
The tunnel has been constructed at an altitude of over 8,500 feet. It is a critical part of the Srinagar-Leh highway and will ensure all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. Notably, it is vital for both military and strategic purposes as well as for the local economy and tourism industry.
Strategic and economic benefits
The tunnel is expected to transform Sonamarg into a year-round tourism hub. It will boost winter sports and adventure tourism in the region. Furthermore, it will enhance defence logistics by providing a safer, more reliable route to Ladakh.
The tunnel has been developed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Originally, it was started by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012 but faced delays and retendering. The project was completed by APCO Infratech under a public-private partnership.
Future developments: the Zoji-la Tunnel
It is noteworthy that the Z-Morh Tunnel is part of a broader initiative to improve connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh. The construction of the Zoji-la Tunnel, which will link Sonamarg to Drass in Ladakh, is also underway. The Zoji-la Tunnel construction is expected to be completed by December 2026. Once operational, it will significantly reduce travel time and further strengthen economic ties between the two regions.
Security measures ahead of the inauguration
Ahead of PM Modi’s visit for the inauguration, security has been heightened across the region, specifically in Ganderbal. This will be the first time PM Modi is visiting Jammu and Kashmir since an elected government assumed power in October 2024.