Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here’s your knowledge nugget for today. Knowledge Nugget: Z-Morh tunnel Subject: Geography and Infrastructure Why in the news? Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel at Sonamarg, which has now been renamed the Sonamarg Tunnel. This change reflects its connection to the famous tourist resort that will benefit from year-round access due to this project. The tunnel is a critical infrastructure development that will provide all-weather connectivity to the renowned Sonamarg tourist destination and facilitate a year-round connection between Kashmir and Ladakh. Key Takeaways : 1. A 6.4-km bi-directional tunnel with an approach road of 5.6 km, Z-Morh connects the Sonamarg health resort with Kangan town in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. 2. The tunnel has acquired its name for the Z-shaped road stretch that was previously at the place where the tunnel is being constructed. The stretch was situated at an altitude of over 8,500 feet and was prone to snow avalanches in the winter, thus closing the Sonamarg road for most part of the winter. 3. The Z-Morh project was initiated by the Border Roads Organisation in 2012. Although the BRO awarded the construction contract to Tunnelway Ltd, the project was subsequently taken over by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). 4. Notably, the soft-opening of the tunnel was carried out in February last year but the UT’s Assembly elections delayed the project’s official inauguration. Significance of Z-Morh tunnel Strategic Importance Bashaarat Masood writes- 1. The Z-Morh tunnel is part of the Zojila tunnel project that aims to provide all weather connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh throughout the year. 2. While the tunnel would give all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg health resort in the Valley, it is essential for all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. This is important, as it would provide quick access for military personnel to the border areas of Ladakh. While the construction of the Zojilla tunnel at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet connecting Sonamarg in Kashmir valley to Drass in Ladakh is under way and is expected to be completed by December 2026, the opening of the Z-Morh tunnel is essential for its all-weather connectivity. 3. The tunnel will provide safe connectivity between Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh regions. The Indian defence forces are deployed against Pakistan in Siachen Glacier and in the Turtuk sub sector, which abuts Baltistan in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Similarly, there is widespread Indian Army deployment against Chinese forces in Eastern Ladakh, which has increased manifold after the 2020 face off with Chinese troops. 4. All-weather road connectivity will lessen the dependence of air maintenance of the forward locations of the Army through the transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The transportation of troops and supplies will be done by road and this will lead to lesser expenditure on the use of aircraft and also increasing the life of the aircraft. Significance for Tourism and Trade 1. Beyond its strategic military importance, the Z-Morh Tunnel is poised to bring significant economic benefits to the region. Tourism is one of the main drivers of the local economy in Sonamarg, and the tunnel’s ability to keep the resort town accessible year-round will help revive businesses that have long suffered due to the seasonal closure of roads. 2. Furthermore, the tunnel will also improve trade and transportation between Kashmir and Ladakh. Farmers and traders who depend on the Srinagar-Leh highway to transport goods will benefit from reduced travel time and improved road safety. With year-round access, there is hope that more investment will flow into the region, boosting local economies and improving the quality of life for residents. BEYOND THE NUGGET: Infrastructure Projects in Jammu and Kashmir Several key infrastructure projects are currently underway in Jammu and Kashmir, many of which hold strategic importance. Some of them are: 1. Zojilla tunnel: Connecting Sonamarg in Kashmir with Drass in Kargil, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, which remains cut-off for almost five months every year due to snow. The strategic project is being built by Megha Engineering and Industries Limited (MEIL) at a cost of Rs 6,800 crore. It comprises a 13-kilometer tunnel from Baltal in Sonamarg to Minimarg in Drass and a 17-kilometer approach road. The tunnel bypasses the treacherous and highly avalanche-prone Zojilla pass, and will reduce travel time of over three hours to just 15 minutes. The tunnel, considered Asia's largest road tunnel, will be built at an altitude of 11,578 feet. While the deadline for the project was December 2026, it has been extended to December 2030. 2. Srinagar Semi Ring Road: The project undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was approved in 2021 at a cost of Rs 2,919 crore. This road project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in five districts of the valley: Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Ganderbal. Along with an over-60-km road stretch, the project comprises around 300 culverts, two flyovers, two over-road bridges and a toll plaza. The project has missed two deadlines of February 2024 and August 2024, and the new date is June 2025. 3. Ratle Hydroelectric power project: The 850-MW hydroelectric power project is being constructed on the Chenab river in the Kishtwar district of Jammu's Chenab valley. It consists of two power stations and a 133-meter high gravity dam. 4. Kwar HE Power project: The 540-MW power project is being constructed at Padyarna village of Kishtwar at a cost of Rs 4,526 crore. The project consists of a 109-meter high concrete gravity dam and four power units of 135 MW each. The project is being executed by the Chenab Valley Power Projects, a joint venture of NHPC and JKPSDC. The deadline is November 2026 5. Pakal Dul Power project: It is being developed on the Marusudar River, which is a tributary of the Chenab River in the Kishtwar district. This project includes a concrete gravity dam that stands 167 meters high and features four power units, each with a capacity of 250 MW. The project, managed by Chenab Valley Power Projects, is scheduled for completion by September 2025. 6. Kiru HE power project: The 624-MW power project is also coming up on the Chenab river in Kishtwar. The power project comprises a 135-meter high concrete gravity dam and four power houses of 156 MW each. It is also being executed by the Chenab Valley Power Projects (Sources: PM to open Z-Morh tunnel tomorrow, Militants attack Z-Morh tunnel, What is the Z-Morh project in Kashmir, How the Z-Morh Tunnel will be a strategic & vital link between Kashmir and Ladakh) For your queries and suggestions write at roshni.yadav@indianexpress.com Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
