Another feather in PM Modi’s cap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate strategic Z-Morh tunnel in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on January 13, 2025.
The 6.5-kilometre tunnel at Srinagar-Leh National Highway would provide all weather connectivity to the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg.

Nestled in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas, Sonamarg’s beauty and tourism potential have often been hindered by its seasonal accessibility issues. The Z-Morh tunnel, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, will ensure that the tourist destination remains abuzz with visitors during the winter months.
The year-round connectivity to this iconic resort would boost both tourism and the local economy.

During the past decade of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an unparalleled transformation across various sectors, ranging from infrastructure to tourism, and the Z-Morh tunnel adds another feather to his cap.
Jammu and Kashmir has been a focal point of the PM Modi government’s development agenda. From improving road and rail networks to promoting digital inclusion and healthcare, the region has seen unprecedented progress. Projects like the Z-Morh tunnel underscore the government’s resolve to address the unique challenges posed by J&K’s geography and climate.
The completion of this tunnel reflects the determination of the leadership to overcome hurdles and deliver critical infrastructure that can transform the region’s socio-economic landscape.

The Z-Morh tunnel project was first conceived by the Border Roads Organisation in 2012 and later handed over to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

After a re-tendering process, the construction contract was awarded to APCO Infratech. This private firm is managing the project through a special purpose vehicle, APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited. Originally slated for completion by August 2023, the project faced delays, postponing its inauguration. But now it’s all set to be thrown open for people by Prime Minister Modi.
The Z-Morh tunnel is a crucial component of the extensive Zojila tunnel project designed to ensure all-weather access from Srinagar to Ladakh. Currently under construction at an elevation of around 12,000 feet, the Zojila tunnel will link Sonamarg with Drass in Ladakh and is projected for completion by December 2026. Once operational, the Zojilatunnel will be vital for military access to the Ladakh region, especially in winter when traditional routes are blocked by snow.

The ongoing construction of the Zojila tunnel further underscores the government’s focus on ensuring seamless connectivity to Ladakh, a region of critical strategic importance. In light of regional security dynamics, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), these projects assume even greater relevance.

The construction of the Z-Morh tunnel has not been without challenges. In October 2024, terrorists targeted the construction site of the tunnel at Gund in Ganderbal district, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven individuals, including a local doctor, Shahnawaz Dar, and six non-local workers. This heinous attack marked the first time in recent years that a major infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir was directly targeted by terrorists.
Such incidents underscore the challenges that persist in the region. However, they have also highlighted the resilience and determination of the national leadership and the local community to overcome adversity. The timely completion and inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel despite such setbacks is a testament to this spirit.

As Prime Minister Modi inaugurates the Z-Morh tunnel, it is not just a celebration of infrastructure development but also a reaffirmation of his government’s commitment to the welfare and progress of Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel’s completion marks a significant step forward in integrating the region with the rest of the country and addressing its unique challenges.

The upcoming completion of the Zojila tunnel will further amplify the benefits of this connectivity drive, solidifying the strategic and economic importance of these projects. Together, these tunnels represent a transformative shift for the region, ensuring that geography and climate no longer serve as barriers to progress.

The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel is a landmark moment in the development story of Jammu and Kashmir.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to rise under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, projects like the Z-Morh tunnel serve as powerful symbols of progress and hope. They stand as reminders that even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of development and connectivity can pave the way for a brighter future.

 Sheikh Khalid Jehangir writes on Politics, Defence & Strategic affairs and is presently heading International Centre for Peace Studies, New Delhi.