13-Km-Long Asia’s Longest Tunnel in Kashmir to be Complete in 2026

New Delhi: The construction of the 13-kilometer-long Asia’s longest Zojila tunnel in Kashmir is expected to be completed by 2026.

Union Minister for Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday reviewed the ongoing work for the strategically important Zojila tunnel in Kashmir’s Sonmarg that will provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.

He said that the project is part of a dream to connect the Kashmir valley with Kanyakumari.

The Union minister also announced that the Z-Morh tunnel, which connects Gagangir with Sonamarg will be inaugurated in October this year.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari tweeted, “This is a historic and important tunnel in the history of India. The tunnel length is supposed to be the highest in Asia.”

श्रीनगर – लेह राजमार्ग पर (NH-1) भूस्थैतिक रूप से महत्वपूर्ण जेड-मोड़ टनल का आज जम्मू और कश्मीर के उपराज्यपाल श्री @manojsinha_ जी तथा सड़क परिवहन और राजमार्ग के संसदीय सलाहकार समिति के सदस्य सांसद की उपस्थिति में मुआयना किया।

जम्मू-कश्मीर में 25 हजार करोड़ रुपए की लागत से 19… pic.twitter.com/jBuP378Sv8

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) April 10, 2023

The geostrategically important Z-Morh Tunnel on Srinagar – Leh Highway (NH-1) was today inspected in the presence of Shri @manojsinha_ G, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Member of Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Road Transport and Highways, MP.

19 tunnels are being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir at a cost of Rs 25 thousand crores. Under this, the construction work of 6.5 km length Z-mode tunnel and approach road at a cost of Rs 2680 crore is in progress. This 2-lane road tunnel is being built under the mountain glacier Thajiwas Glacier between Gagangir and Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir.

Under the Z-Morh tunnel project, a main tunnel of a total length of 10.8 meters with a modified horseshoe shape escape tunnel of a total length of 7.5 meters, a D-shaped ventilation tunnel with a total length of 8.3 meters, 2 major culverts of a total length of 110 meters and 270 meters, 1 small culvert of the total length of 30 meters is proposed. Till now 75% work on the Z-Morh Tunnel has been completed. A target has been set to dedicate this tunnel by December 2023.

An intelligent Traffic Management System has been installed in Z-Morh Tunnel, which will make it easier to control and ensure traffic. Along with this, traffic will be convenient through the dedicated escape tunnel. The Z-Morh tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to the Sonamarg tourist town. The debris generated during the construction work of this project has been used for way-side facilities and to develop the area.

The area of the Z-Morh tunnel is strategically important, its construction will ensure seamless connectivity between Srinagar and Kargil. Also, there will be a considerable reduction in travel time between Srinagar and Leh. This tunnel will promote social and economic development in the entire region. Will promote tourism in Sonamarg including activities like whitewater rafting on Thajiwas Glacier and Sindh River.