PM Modi
Inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel: A Gateway to All-Year Access to Sonamarg
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the highly anticipated Z-Morh Tunnel, also known as the Sonamarg Tunnel, in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a milestone in enhancing connectivity in the region. The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Located in the picturesque Ganderbal district, the tunnel will provide an all-weather route, boosting travel accessibility between Srinagar and Sonamarg.
After the inauguration, PM Modi traveled through the tunnel, inspecting its construction and interacting with officials and construction workers who had worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to complete the project. The tunnel is a significant development in the region, designed to reduce travel time and improve the overall infrastructure.
Here are
10 key things to know about the Z-Morh Tunnel:
1. Z-Morh Tunnel's Naming: The tunnel is named after the Z-shaped road it replaces, which was prone to avalanches and often closed for months due to heavy rainfall.
2. Cost and Structure: The 12 km Sonamarg Tunnel project, with an investment of over Rs 2,700 crore, includes the 6.4 km Sonamarg main tunnel, an escape tunnel, and approach roads.
3. Altitude and Travel Time: Built at an altitude of 8,650 feet above sea level, the tunnel reduces travel time from over two hours to just 15 minutes.
4. Two-Lane Bi-Directional Structure: The tunnel features a 10-meter-wide two-lane road, along with a 7.5-meter-wide parallel escape tunnel, which can also serve as a railway tunnel.
5. Vehicle Capacity: The tunnel is capable of handling up to 1,000 vehicles per hour, with a maximum speed of 80 km/h.
6. Advanced Ventilation System: Equipped with a ventilation system, the tunnel has two portals – Western and Eastern – to ensure smooth traffic flow.
7. Part of the Zojila Tunnel Project: The Z-Morh Tunnel is part of the broader Zojila tunnel project, aiming to provide uninterrupted access between Ladakh and Srinagar. The project is set to be completed by 2028.
8. Reduced Route Length and Increased Speed: The combination of the Zojila Tunnel and the Z-Morh Tunnel will reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km, while increasing vehicle speed from 30 km/h to 70 km/h, ensuring seamless connectivity.
9. Economic and Tourism Boost: The tunnel is expected to stimulate Jammu and Kashmir's economy and tourism, promoting travel along the Sindh River and eliminating the need for overnight stays in Kargil.
10. Cutting-Edge Technology: The tunnel is equipped with modern technologies such as a public address system, fire signaling system, radio re-broadcast system, Dynamic Road Information Panel (DRIP), and Speed Limit Variable Message Signs (SLVS) to enhance safety and traffic management.
The Z-Morh Tunnel promises to revolutionize travel in the region, ensuring safe and efficient passage for commuters while stimulating economic growth and tourism.
