Z-Morh Tunnel | 26 Oct 2024

Source: BS

In a militant attack, seven persons were killed in the Z-Morh tunnel, a strategic infra project on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway. This is the first militant attack on a key infrastructure project in J&K.

About Z-Morh Tunnel:
- It is a 6.4 km long tunnel envisaged to provide all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, a renowned tourist spot along the Srinagar-Leh highway.
- Originally planned by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012. Re-tendered later by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to a private company.
Strategic Importance:
- The tunnel is being constructed in an area prone to snow avalanches, making the road to Sonamarg impassable during most part of the winter.
- It is a key part of the larger Zojila tunnel project and is essential for all-weather connectivity to Ladakh facilitating quick access for military personnel to the border areas of Ladakh.
- This connectivity is crucial for Indian defense forces stationed near the Pakistan border and for deployments against Chinese forces in Eastern Ladakh