+
Z-Morh tunnel project: Strategic importance for J&K
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Z-Morh tunnel project: Strategic importance for J&K

The Z-Morh tunnel, a critical infrastructure project on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway, witnessed a tragic militant attack on Sunday evening, resulting in the death of seven workers. This incident marks the first time a major infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir has been targeted by militants.

The tunnel, being constructed by APCO Infratech, links Gagangeer to Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The attack took place at the construction site in the Gund area, with The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claiming responsibility. Security forces, including police and the Army, have secured the area.

The Z-Morh tunnel is a 6.4-km-long roadway designed to connect the Sonamarg tourist resort with Kangan town in Ganderbal district. Situated near Gagangir village, the tunnel ensures all-weather access to Sonamarg along the Srinagar-Leh highway. Its name, “Z-Morh,” refers to the Z-shaped road section near the project site.

Located at over 8,500 feet above sea level, the region faces heavy snowfall and avalanches, making the road to Sonamarg impassable during most of the winter months. The tunnel will enable uninterrupted access to the area, supporting tourism and local transport year-round.

Originally planned by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012, the project was initially awarded to Tunnelway Ltd. However, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) later re-tendered the project, awarding it to APCO Infratech under a special purpose vehicle, APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited.

Although slated for completion by August 2023, delays shifted the soft opening to February 2024. However, the formal inauguration has been postponed due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

Beyond facilitating all-weather tourism at Sonamarg, the tunnel plays a crucial role in maintaining connectivity to Ladakh. This is essential for the movement of military personnel and supplies to border areas.

The Z-Morh tunnel is also pivotal for the success of the ongoing Zojila tunnel project, which will link Sonamarg with Drass in Ladakh at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet. The Zojila tunnel, expected to be completed by December 2026, will further enhance year-round connectivity, making the Z-Morh tunnel a key component in the region’s strategic infrastructure network. (Business Standard)

The Z-Morh tunnel, a critical infrastructure project on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway, witnessed a tragic militant attack on Sunday evening, resulting in the death of seven workers. This incident marks the first time a major infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir has been targeted by militants. The tunnel, being constructed by APCO Infratech, links Gagangeer to Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The attack took place at the construction site in the Gund area, with The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claiming responsibility. Security forces, including police and the Army, have secured the area. The Z-Morh tunnel is a 6.4-km-long roadway designed to connect the Sonamarg tourist resort with Kangan town in Ganderbal district. Situated near Gagangir village, the tunnel ensures all-weather access to Sonamarg along the Srinagar-Leh highway. Its name, “Z-Morh,” refers to the Z-shaped road section near the project site. Located at over 8,500 feet above sea level, the region faces heavy snowfall and avalanches, making the road to Sonamarg impassable during most of the winter months. The tunnel will enable uninterrupted access to the area, supporting tourism and local transport year-round. Originally planned by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012, the project was initially awarded to Tunnelway Ltd. However, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) later re-tendered the project, awarding it to APCO Infratech under a special purpose vehicle, APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited. Although slated for completion by August 2023, delays shifted the soft opening to February 2024. However, the formal inauguration has been postponed due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Beyond facilitating all-weather tourism at Sonamarg, the tunnel plays a crucial role in maintaining connectivity to Ladakh. This is essential for the movement of military personnel and supplies to border areas. The Z-Morh tunnel is also pivotal for the success of the ongoing Zojila tunnel project, which will link Sonamarg with Drass in Ladakh at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet. The Zojila tunnel, expected to be completed by December 2026, will further enhance year-round connectivity, making the Z-Morh tunnel a key component in the region’s strategic infrastructure network. (Business Standard)

Next Story
Real Estate

Shriram Properties Launches ‘Codename: The One’ in Bengaluru

Shriram Properties (SPL), a leading real estate developer focused on the mid-market and mid-premium segments, has announced the launch of its latest residential project under the banner “Codename: The One” in Bengaluru’s Electronic City corridor. This feature-rich gated community will offer 340 spacious 2- and 3-BHK residences, with a total saleable area of approximately 5 lakh square feet and an estimated revenue potential of over Rs 3.5 billion. The project is expected to be developed over a span of more than three years.  Strategically located near the Bommasandra Metro stat..

Next Story
Resources

India Warehousing Show 2025 Closes with Strong Global Presence

The 14th edition of the India Warehousing Show (IWS) 2025 concluded successfully at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, drawing participation from over 300 exhibitors across 15 countries and welcoming 15,000+ visitors. Recognised as India’s leading platform for warehousing and logistics excellence, IWS 2025 offered a comprehensive display of cutting-edge automation, sustainable warehousing solutions, and next-gen supply chain technologies. The show was inaugurated by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary – Logistics, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. In his opening a..

Next Story
Equipment

MHIET Launches 450kW Gas Cogeneration System with H₂ Co-Firing

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger (MHIET), part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, has launched a new 450kW gas cogeneration system, the SGP M450, jointly developed with Toho Gas Co.,. The system supports hydrogen co-firing at up to 15 vol per cent, with no loss in performance or reliability.  The system is currently available in the Japanese market, and has been developed from the existing GS6R2 city gas engine platform. Key modifications were made to the fuel gas and engine control systems to enable hydrogen co-firing.   Verified through de..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?