The Z-Morh tunnel is a significant infrastructure project located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Spanning 6.4 km, this tunnel connects the town of Kangan to the picturesque tourist destination of Sonmarg, situated along the Srinagar-Leh highway. The name "Z-Morh" is derived from the Z-shaped layout of the area where the tunnel is constructed.
This tunnel serves a crucial role in maintaining connectivity to Ladakh, particularly during the winter months when snow often blocks the region's roads. By facilitating year-round movement of troops and supplies to forward areas along the Line of Control, the Z-Morh tunnel significantly enhances both military and civilian transportation.
The completion of the Z-Morh tunnel ensures uninterrupted access to Ladakh, which holds immense strategic importance for India. This infrastructure improvement boosts logistics and defense preparedness, especially near sensitive areas like the Siachen Glacier and the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir border.
Tourism in Sonmarg is expected to thrive due to the Z-Morh tunnel. Its completion will make the area accessible even during winter, allowing local businesses to operate year-round. This will not only increase tourist inflow to this scenic region but also benefit the local economy significantly.
The Z-Morh tunnel project was initiated by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012. Subsequently, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) took over and re-awarded the contract in 2016. Construction has been ongoing since then, with the tunnel nearing completion.
Originally scheduled for completion in August 2023, the Z-Morh tunnel's inauguration has faced delays. Currently, it is almost finished, with expectations for inauguration in the coming months, contingent upon the Jammu and Kashmir elections.
The Z-Morh tunnel is vital for military logistics, enabling efficient year-round movement of troops and supplies. This capability is critical for maintaining defense operations along the Line of Control in Ladakh, ensuring swift deployment of resources during both peacetime and conflicts.
As of now, the Z-Morh tunnel is nearly complete, with major construction activities finalized. A soft opening occurred earlier in 2023, and only finishing touches remain before it becomes fully operational.
The construction contract for the Z-Morh tunnel was awarded to APCO Infratech by NHIDCL. Initially managed by the BRO, the project was transferred to NHIDCL to accelerate its completion.
The Z-Morh tunnel is part of a broader infrastructure project that includes the 14 km Zoji-La tunnel. This tunnel will connect Sonmarg to the Drass region in Ladakh. Both tunnels are essential for improving all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, strengthening both strategic and economic ties to the region.
Q1. What is the Z-Morh tunnel?
Answer: The Z-Morh tunnel is a 6.4 km long tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, connecting Kangan to Sonmarg along the Srinagar-Leh highway, enhancing regional connectivity.
Q2. Why is the Z-Morh tunnel strategically important?
Answer: It maintains year-round access to Ladakh, crucial for military logistics and civilian transportation, especially during harsh winter conditions.
Q3. How does the tunnel benefit tourism?
Answer: By providing winter access to Sonmarg, the tunnel boosts tourism, allowing local businesses to thrive year-round and improving the local economy.
Q4. When did the Z-Morh tunnel project begin?
Answer: Initiated in 2012 by the BRO, the project was later taken over by the NHIDCL in 2016 for faster completion.
Q5. How does the Z-Morh tunnel enhance military logistics?
Answer: It allows efficient troop and supply movement throughout the year, crucial for defense operations along the Line of Control in Ladakh.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Z-Morh tunnel?
A) To enhance tourism in Ladakh
B) To improve military logistics and connectivity
C) To facilitate trade with neighboring countries
D) To connect major cities in Jammu
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who is responsible for the construction of the Z-Morh tunnel?
A) National Highways Authority of India
B) Border Roads Organisation
C) NHIDCL
D) APCO Infratech
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: When was the Z-Morh tunnel project initiated?
A) 2010
B) 2012
C) 2014
D) 2016
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the length of the Z-Morh tunnel?
A) 4.5 km
B) 6.4 km
C) 8.2 km
D) 10 km
Correct Answer: B
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