Srinagar-Leh’s Z-Morh tunnel to be inaugurated in April

Tags: State News

The crucial Z-Morh tunnel that connects Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh highway will be inaugurated in April 2023 according to Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.

An overview of the news

• He said nine tunnels were being built between Jammu and Srinagar and Asia's longest tunnel at Zojila would also be ready by 2024.

About Z-Morh tunnel

• Zoji-Morh tunnel is an under-construction tunnel located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

• It is a 6.5 km long tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh highway.

• The tunnel is being constructed at an altitude of 11,578 feet and will provide all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.

• The tunnel will have a two-lane carriageway which is being constructed using the latest tunneling technology.

• The project is being implemented by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

• This tunnel will reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh by about four hours.

About Zojila Pass

• It is a high mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir, located on National Highway 1. 

• It connects Srinagar in Kashmir Valley to Leh in Ladakh region.

• It has an elevation of about 3,528 metres (11,575 ft), and is the second highest pass on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway after Photu La.

• This is known as the 'Icy Storm Pass'.

• The Zojila Tunnel project was started in the year 2018. It is the longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel in Asia.