Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir on Monday, calling it a significant step in improving road connectivity in the region. The 6.5km-long tunnel will make Sonamarg accessible throughout the year, solving the problem of road closures during harsh winters and making travel to Leh smoother. Despite delays due to financial issues faced by the original contractor, the Prime Minister commended the hard work and dedication of the engineers and workers who completed the project.
Z-Morh Tunnel: A Milestone in Road Connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir, heralding a new era of enhanced road connectivity in the region. The 6.5-kilometer-long tunnel addresses a longstanding challenge faced by the area, ensuring year-round accessibility to Sonamarg and facilitating smoother travel to Leh.
Background:
The Z-Morh Tunnel project was conceived in 2008 with the aim of providing all-weather connectivity to the Sonamarg-Leh road, which was prone to closures during the harsh winter months. The project faced several roadblocks, including financial constraints and geological challenges.
In 2018, the project was revived under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which played a crucial role in its successful completion. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the BRO engineers and workers worked tirelessly to overcome obstacles and expedite construction.
Significance:
The Z-Morh Tunnel has several significant implications for the region:
Top 5 FAQs:
1. Why was the Z-Morh Tunnel project delayed? The project was delayed due to financial issues faced by the original contractor and geological challenges encountered during construction.
2. How long is the Z-Morh Tunnel? The tunnel is 6.5 kilometers in length.
3. Who constructed the Z-Morh Tunnel? The tunnel was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
4. How much did the Z-Morh Tunnel cost? The total cost of the project is approximately Rs 2,500 crores.
5. What is the importance of the Z-Morh Tunnel for the Ladakh region? The tunnel provides a secure and all-weather route for military deployments, enhancing the defense capabilities of the region.
Conclusion:
The Z-Morh Tunnel is a testament to India's engineering prowess and commitment to improving infrastructure in challenging regions. Its inauguration marks a transformative milestone that will have far-reaching positive impacts on the economy, connectivity, and security of Jammu & Kashmir and the Ladakh region.
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