Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the strategically important Z-Morh tunnel today, located in Jammu and Kashmir. The 6.5 km tunnel connects Gagangir to Sonamarg, offering all-weather access to the Kashmir valley, particularly enhancing safety and convenience during the harsh winter months. The region was previously prone to avalanches, making travel difficult.

The Z-Morh tunnel holds immense strategic and economic importance. It is expected to boost the local economy by enhancing tourism and positioning Sonamarg as a winter sports destination, similar to Gulmarg. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has highlighted the potential for Sonamarg's development into a ski resort.

The tunnel also improves access to Ladakh, allowing travelers to bypass overnight stays in Kargil. The road leading from Sonamarg connects to National Highway-1, which continues through Baltal, Dras, and Kargil, eventually reaching Ladakh. When the Zojila tunnel, which connects Baltal to Dras, is completed by 2028, an all-weather road from Sonamarg to Dras will be fully operational, enhancing connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels will play a crucial role in strengthening India’s defense capabilities by ensuring year-round access to northern Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, vital for military operations along the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control.

In addition to its military significance, the Z-Morh tunnel is designed to handle up to 1,000 vehicles per hour, with a maximum speed of 80 km/h. It also includes a parallel escape tunnel for emergencies. The tunnel is part of a broader infrastructure project that includes 31 tunnels across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with a total investment of Rs 2,680 crore.

The inauguration follows a tragic incident in October, where six construction workers and a doctor were killed in a terrorist attack near the tunnel. PM Modi paid tribute to the victims during the inauguration ceremony.