Srinagar: In a first, Sonamarg in Kashmir is likely to remain open in winter as Z-Morh tunnel is all set for opening on Jan 26, 2025 in Jammu and Kashmir. The new tunnel project will connect Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.
PM Modi may virtually inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel as well as Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The USBRL tail link will directly connect Delhi and Baramulla in Kashmir, said a report in Daily Excelsior.
Z-Morh project costs Rs 2,400 cr
As per the report, the estimates cost o the project id around Rs 2,400 crore. The projected that was initiated in 2020 Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, is aimed at proving all weather connectivity to the Kashmir valley especially Sonmarg. The area mostly remains inaccessible in winters due to heavy snowfall.
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Meanwhile, Harpal Singh, General Manager at National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), said the tunnel project is complete and ready for opening.
Terror attack disrupted work at Tunnel project
In September this year, terrorist struck at the project site claiming nine lives including a doctor. This was the first time when the terrorists targeted the strategic infrastructure project in the valley. The attack delayed the work on the mega project. The project will reduce travel time between Srinagar and Kargil and as well as between Srinagar and Leh.
All about Z-Morh tunnel
The length of the Z-Morh construction is 6.5 km. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has constructed 2-lane road tunnel under the mountain glacier Thajiwas between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district of Kashmir.
An Intelligent Traffic Management System has been installed in the Tunnel to ensure smooth traffic in the stretch. According to the government, the debris resulted during the construction of the tunnel project was used for way-side facilities and development of the area.
