Ganderbal, Au 01:The much-anticipated 6.5 km Z-Morh Tunnel, a key infrastructure project, is set to open for transportation by September 15 this year, according to the officials. Notably, there will be no toll tax for vehicles using the tunnel.
Colonel M.S. Sharma, General Manager of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), highlighted that the tunnel would remain open year-round, akin to other tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley. This development is expected to provide uninterrupted access to the picturesque Sonamarg area, even during the harsh winter months.
Initiated in July 2020, the Z-Morh Tunnel project in the Gagangeer area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district represents a significant investment by the central government, with a total cost of Rs 2400 crores. The project saw the deployment of approximately 1,500 personnel, including officers, engineers, supervisors, and drivers, to ensure timely completion. This workforce has been instrumental in adhering to the project’s schedule, aiming to boost local tourism by offering winter access to Sonamarg’s snowy landscapes.
The tunnel has been equipped with comprehensive facilities to ensure safe and seamless travel during winter. Previously, avalanches along certain sections of the Hung road necessitated the closure of the Sonamarg road in December, forcing tourists to turn back at the Gagangeer area. The road typically reopened for transportation in May. With the new tunnel, this seasonal disruption will be a thing of the past.
Colonel Sharma emphasized the significance of completing the tunnel on schedule, describing it as a major achievement. Once opened, the journey time from Gagangeer to Sonamarg will be significantly reduced to just half an hour.
The construction company, APCO, has played a crucial role in the completion of this project. After fifteen years of operation, the tunnel’s management will be handed over to NHIDCL.
