PM Modi to inaugurate Z-Morh tunnel on January 13 during his 12th visit to J&K since 2014

Srinagar: On his 12th visit to Jammu and Kashmir in over a decade on Monday, Prime Minister Narendara Modi is all set to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel, a key artery for strategic military access to Ladakh, a region that has grown in importance for India’s defense infrastructure.

Built at a cost of ₹2,400 crore on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, the strategic 6.5-km bi-directional tunnel will be a major step towards making year-round access to the strategically important Ladakh region, which borders China and Pakistan.

Ladakh, which has grown in significance due to ongoing security concerns in the region, has been a central focus of India’s infrastructure and defense strategy. The completion of the Z-Morh tunnel is seen as a crucial step in bolstering the military’s ability to quickly move personnel, equipment, and supplies to Ladakh, enhancing the country’s defense preparedness.

This will be the Prime Minister’s 12th visit to J&K since 2014 and first since an elected government came to power in the Union Territory last October. The same month, militants had struck the Z-Morh tunnel project site, killing seven workers.

Ahead of the inauguration and Modi’s visit, security has been beefed up throughout Kashmir, especially around the tunnel project and the central Ganderbal district.

The Prime Minister is likely to address a public rally after the inauguration of the tunnel in Gagangir in the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal, officials said. The security has been strengthened in many areas of the valley, including Srinagar.

“Security has been tightened near the Z-Morh tunnel. Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place and the PM's security team, comprising SPG personnel, has taken over the venue,” the officials said and added that the venue is now off-limits for the public.

“Sharpshooters have been deployed at vulnerable points while aerial and technical surveillance, including through drones, is also being undertaken. “The area is being monitored round-the-clock,” they added.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to hold discussions with senior officials on the region’s development, security issues, and the government’s ongoing efforts to integrate Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of the country after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.

Key facts about the Z-Morh Tunnel:

Inauguration: The Z-Morh tunnel, located in Sonamarg area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. The 6.5 km long tunnel derives its name from the Z-shaped stretch of road it replaces. “Z-Morh” is the Hindi for “Z-turn”. The tunnel is situated at an altitude of 2,637 m (8,652 feet) above sea level

Strategic Importance: Ladakh shares long and contentious borders with both Pakistan and China which makes the tunnel crucial for national security. The Z-Morh Tunnel, along with the future Zojila Tunnel, will ensure year-round, all-weather access to Ladakh, which is vital for both civilian and military traffic, especially during winter when heavy snowfall often blocks existing routes. Currently, the Indian Army relies heavily on-air maintenance of its forward positions, using transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force to reach the farthest posts.

Construction: The tunnel is bi-directional, designed to facilitate smooth travel for vehicles in both directions. The tunnel construction faced several challenges due to the harsh Himalayan terrain, including difficult rock conditions and environmental concerns.

Tourism Benefits: Apart from its military significance, the tunnel is expected to boost tourism in the region, particularly to scenic areas like Sonamarg and beyond. It will also help in the economic integration of Ladakh with the rest of the country, facilitating smoother trade and transport routes.

Militant Attack: In October 2024, militants had attacked the Z-Morh tunnel project site, resulting in the deaths of seven workers. This incident highlighted the region’s ongoing security challenges.