The Z-Morh tunnel is set to become the first major milestone in the effort to build a strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh which is open all through the year, with the Prime Minister slated to inaugurate it.
About Z-Morh Tunnel:
It is a 2-lane road tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh Highway in Jammu and Kashmir.
The name “Z-Morh” refers to the Z-shaped road section near the construction site.
Why was the tunnel needed?
The area where the tunnel is being constructed sits at an altitude of over 8,500 ft and is prone to snow avalanches, which make the road to Sonamarg impassable during most parts of the winter.
Features:
Length: 6.5 km
The tunnel is designed for the flow of 1,000 vehicles an hourat an approved maximum speed of 80 km per hour.
No toll tax will be collected from vehicles using the tunnel.
In addition to the main tunnel, it includes a parallel426 km long Escape Tunneland a 0.6 km long Ventilation Tunnel.
Intelligent Traffic Management System has been installed in Z-Morh Tunnel which will make it easier to control traffic. Along with this, traffic will be facilitated through the dedicated escape tunnel.
Strategic Importance:
In addition to providing all-weather access to Sonamarg, the tunnel is vital for ensuring year-round connectivity to Ladakh. This is particularly important for the movement of military personnel to border areas.
Along with the 14.15 km Zojila Tunnel to its east, it aims to enhance the Indian military’s capabilities in Kashmir and Ladakh alongboth the Line of Control (LOC) to the north and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) further east.
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