PM Modi Inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel, Calls J&K India's "Crown"

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel, located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday.

At the inauguration, PM Modi referred to the union territory as India’s “crown” and expressed his aspiration for it to become “beautiful and prosperous.”

“Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of the country. I want this crown to be beautiful and prosperous," he stated.

PM Modi also honored seven people, including laborers, who lost their lives in a terror attack in the area in October 2024.

“First of all, I would like to thank all the brothers who worked in the most difficult circumstances, risking their lives, for the progress of the country and Jammu and Kashmir. Also, seven of our labor colleagues lost their lives but completed this task by overcoming all challenges. Today, I would like to remember the 7 colleagues who have lost their lives,” he said.

The ₹2,400 crore Z-Morh tunnel is built on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. It is indeed an infrastructural change for the region. According to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, the "engineering marvel" will enable all-weather access to strategically important Ladakh.

The two-lane tunnel is at an altitude of 8,650 feet and has a parallel 7.5-meter-wide escape passage in case of an emergency. It will avoid landslide-prone areas, ensuring that civilian and military traffic has safe and continuous access to Ladakh. The tunnel can transport up to 1,000 vehicles per hour and has a speed limit of 70 kilometres per hour, up from 30 kilometres per hour on winding roads.

The opening of the Z-Morh Tunnel is a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's infrastructure development because it improves connectivity to Ladakh, a strategically important area. The tunnel will provide full year-round access to Sonamarg, boosting tourism. It will jumpstart economic development and improve the locals' livelihoods.

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