The Z-Morh tunnel is set to become a game-changer in the development of a strategic corridor linking Kashmir and Ladakh, ensuring year-round accessibility and fostering economic growth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate this crucial infrastructure on January 13, marking a transformative moment for the region.
Key Highlights of the Z-Morh Tunnel
- Location: Ganderbal district, central Kashmir
- Purpose: Ensures Sonamarg remains accessible throughout the year
- Challenges Addressed: Heavy snowfall and avalanches that previously cut off the area during winters
- Economic Impact: Expected to boost tourism, especially winter tourism in Sonamarg
Features of the Z-Morh Tunnel
The Z-Morh tunnel, built at a cost of Rs 2,680 crore, is a 6.5-km two-lane tunnel designed with advanced technology. Key features include:
- Main Tunnel: 10.8 meters long
- Escape Tunnel: A 7.5-meter horseshoe-shaped tunnel
- Traffic Management: Intelligent Traffic Management System to optimize vehicle flow
- Structural Efficiency: Culverts of varying lengths for durability
This infrastructure is set to boost tourism, particularly adventure tourism around the Thajiwas Glacier and Sindh River, making travel safer and more reliable.
Security Challenges and Improvements
The project faced significant security challenges, including a militant attack in October last year that claimed the lives of seven workers. Following this, security measures were strengthened, with comprehensive assessments conducted ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. Additional checkpoints and heightened vigilance are now in place across the region.
The Zojila Tunnel: A Future Milestone
The Z-Morh tunnel is part of a broader plan that includes the Zojila tunnel, Asia’s longest under-construction tunnel. This 13.14-km tunnel, built at a cost of Rs 6,800 crore, will connect Ganderbal in Kashmir to Drass in Kargil, significantly reducing travel time from three hours to just 20 minutes.
Key features of the Zojila tunnel include:
- Culverts: Four culverts with a total length of 810 meters
- Nilgrar Tunnels: Four Nilgrar tunnels totaling 4,821 meters
- Ventilation: Three vertical ventilation shafts for safety and airflow
The Zojila tunnel will be crucial for the movement of goods and defense logistics to Ladakh, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in harsh winter conditions.
Strategic and Economic Implications
The Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels are vital for enhancing connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, promoting economic development, and bolstering defense logistics. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel is a significant step toward the strategic and economic integration of the region into India’s growth story.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the primary purpose of the Z-Morh tunnel?
a) To reduce travel time between Kashmir and Ladakh
b) To ensure year-round accessibility to Sonamarg
c) To promote road safety in Kashmir
d) To facilitate defense logistics
Answer: b) To ensure year-round accessibility to Sonamarg
2. What is the length of the Z-Morh tunnel?
a) 6.5 km
b) 10.8 km
c) 7.5 km
d) 13.14 km
Answer: a) 6.5 km
3. Which advanced feature is incorporated into the Z-Morh tunnel to manage traffic?
a) Solar-powered lights
b) Intelligent Traffic Management System
c) Automated toll collection system
d) Electric vehicle charging stations
Answer: b) Intelligent Traffic Management System
4. What security measure was implemented following the militant attack at the Z-Morh tunnel construction site?
a) Reduced construction speed
b) Additional checkpoints and heightened vigilance
c) Relocation of workers
d) Suspension of the project
Answer: b) Additional checkpoints and heightened vigilance
5. How will the Zojila tunnel benefit the region?
a) By reducing travel time between Ganderbal and Kargil
b) By promoting religious tourism
c) By improving mobile network connectivity
d) By connecting Ganderbal to Sonamarg
Answer: a) By reducing travel time between Ganderbal and Kargil
6. What is the estimated cost of the Zojila tunnel project?
a) Rs 2,680 crore
b) Rs 6,800 crore
c) Rs 5,000 crore
d) Rs 4,200 crore
Answer: b) Rs 6,800 crore
7. Which of the following is a feature of the Zojila tunnel?
a) Escape tunnel
b) Nilgrar tunnels
c) Solar energy-powered lights
d) Air-conditioned ventilation shafts
Answer: b) Nilgrar tunnels