Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonmarg: Total Length, Project Cost, Map and Other Key Details

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel at Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir on January 13, 2025, marking an important milestone for transportation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The inauguration witnessed a number of high-profile dignitaries, including J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Union Minister Nitin Gadkari; and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

You are watching: Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonmarg: Total Length, Project Cost, Map and Other Key Details

Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir is a 6.5 km long tunnel that will provide all-weather connectivity from Sonmarg to Srinagar.

The project aims to boost tourism by providing year-round reliable access to Sonamarg while promoting trade and economic development in the region.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the tunnel will make Sonmarg a premier winter sports destination, similar to Gulmarg which is famous for its ski resorts.

Check out | Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: Latest updates on India’s first bullet train | Check cities, stations and major routes

What is the Z-Morh Tunnel? Overview and main features

See more : Optical Illusion Brain Challenge: If you have Sharp Eyes Find the Number 7 among 2 in 15 Secs

The Z-Morh Tunnel is a major infrastructure project located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

The 6.5-km-long bidirectional tunnel connects Gaganjir and Sonamarg, enhancing connectivity in the region, especially during harsh winter conditions.

Main features

• Length and structure: The tunnel is 6.5 kilometers long, with an additional 6.05 kilometers of approach roads leading to the two entrances. It is designed as a two-lane road with a width of 10 meters.
• Altitude: The tunnel is approximately 2,637 meters (8,652 feet) above sea level and provides all-weather access to the tourist destination of Sonamarg, an area frequently affected by snowfall and avalanches.
• Traffic capacity: The Z-Morh tunnel can accommodate 1,000 vehicles per hour, with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h.
• Emergency features: It includes a parallel 7.5 meter wide escape tunnel with a dual purpose – emergency evacuation and potential rail use.
• Construction Method: The tunnel was constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), which is known for its efficiency in tunneling in challenging geological conditions.
• Strategic Importance: This tunnel plays a vital role not only in facilitating civilian travel in the region but also in enhancing military logistics, especially for operations related to the Ladakh region. It is part of the larger NH1 Srinagar-Leh highway network.
• Cost and Timeline: The project has an approved estimated cost of approximately 27 billion rupees (approximately $325.3 million), with construction beginning in May 2015 and expected to be completed in 2024.

Z-Morh Tunnel Map Details

The Z-Morh Tunnel is strategically located on the Srinagar-Leh highway in Jammu and Kashmir, connecting Gaganjir to Sonamarg. Here are some key details about its map and geographical background:

Location details

• Starting point: Gaganjir
• End point: Sonamarg
• Coordinates: The tunnel is located at an altitude of approximately 2,637 meters (8,652 feet).

Map overview

The route of the Z-Morh Tunnel replaces the Z-shaped section prone to avalanches and landslides, significantly improving travel safety and efficiency. The tunnel itself is 6.5 kilometers long, with an additional 6.05 kilometers of approach roads leading to the two entrances.

significance

The tunnel enhances year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, providing easier access to popular tourist destinations while also supporting military logistics.

It forms part of a wider infrastructure plan, which includes the adjacent Zojira Tunnel, to improve connectivity in the area.

If you are interested | New Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Start date, fare, train timings and other details

Project Cost and Timeline: How much will the Z-Morh Tunnel cost?

See more : Optical Illusion Brain Challenge: If you have Hawk Eyes Find the Number 984 in 15 Secs

The Z-Morh tunnel project started in May 2015 but faced delays as the original contractor Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) stopped work in 2018 due to financial issues. It has been completed at a cost of approximately 27 billion rupees (approximately US$325.3 million).

in conclusion

The Z-Morh tunnel is approximately 6.5 kilometers long and has other structures such as a parallel escape tunnel of 6.426 kilometers and an approach road extending for 5.568 kilometers.

The tunnel was built using the drill and blast method, which works well in the hard rock of the Himalayan region. Explosives such as ANFO (ammonium nitrate fuel oil) are used in blasting to help break the rock into smaller pieces. Each explosion removes approximately 3 meters of rock.

Construction involved large amounts of steel and concrete, with a support system inside the tunnel consisting of shotcrete, rock anchors, wire mesh and an umbrella tube roof. These materials were chosen to ensure the tunnel remains safe and strong over time.

Additionally, several organizations played important roles in the project. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) assisted in planning and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) took over the management in 2019.

The construction is being done by APCO Infratech through a special company called APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited.

The tunnel is part of a larger project that also includes the Zojila Tunnel, which is expected to be completed in 2028. The tunnels will reduce travel distance from 49 kilometers to 43 kilometers and increase vehicle speeds from 30 kilometers per hour to 70 kilometers per hour. h. Improve road connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion