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22/10/24 05:16 AM IST

Z-Morh project in Kashmir

In News
  • Seven people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir when suspected militants targeted the workers of infrastructure company APCO Infratech, which is constructing the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway.
Z-Morh Tunnel
  • The Z-Morh tunnel is a 6.4-kilometer tunnel connecting the Sonamarg health resort with Kangan town in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
  • The tunnel has been constructed near Gagangir village ahead of Sonamarg.
  • The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, a famous tourist destination on the Srinagar-Leh highway.
  • The tunnel has acquired its name for the Z-shaped road stretch at the place where the tunnel is being constructed.
  • The stretch where the tunnel is under construction is situated at an altitude of over 8,500 feet, and is prone to snow avalanches in the winter.
  • The road to Sonamarg as such remains closed for most part of the winter.
  • While the project was expected to be completed by August 2023, it was delayed. The soft-opening of the tunnel was carried out in February this year. 
Significance of the tunnel
  • The Z-Morh tunnel is part of the Zojila tunnel project that aims to provide all weather connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh throughout the year.
  • While the tunnel would give all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg health resort in the Valley, it is essential for all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.
  • This is important, as it would provide quick access for military personnel to the border areas of Ladakh.
  • While the construction of the Zojilla tunnel at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet connecting Sonamarg in Kashmir valley to Drass in Ladakh is under way and is expected to be completed by December 2026, the opening of the Z-Morh tunnel is essential for its all-weather connectivity.
  • The construction of the tunnel will provide safe connectivity between Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh regions.
  • The Indian defence forces are deployed against Pakistan in Siachen Glacier and in the Turtuk sub sector, which abuts Baltistan in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
  • Similarly, there is widespread Indian Army deployment against Chinese forces in Eastern Ladakh, which has increased manifold after the 2020 face off with Chinese troops.
Source- The Hindu

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