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Z-Morh tunnel
Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel in Ganderbal’s Sonamarg area, located in Jammu and Kashmir.
About the Tunnel:
- The Z-Morh Tunnel is located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It starts from Gagangir and its ending point is Sonamarg.
- The Tunnel is designed to ensure all-weather connectivity between Gagangir and Sonamarg, two important locations in the region that were previously inaccessible during heavy snowfall.
- This Z-Morh tunnel is part of the larger NH1 Srinagar-Leh Highway network.
- This will make Sonamarg a year-round tourist destination.
Key Features of the Z-Morh Tunnel:
- Length and Structure:
- The tunnel itself is 6.5 kilometers long.
- It is a bi-directional tunnel, meaning vehicles can travel in both directions.
- In addition to the main tunnel, there are 6.05 km of approach roads leading to both ends of the tunnel.
- The tunnel is situated at a height of approximately 2,637 meters (8,652 feet) above sea level.
- Capacity and Usage: The tunnel is designed to handle up to 1,000 vehicles per hour with a speed limit of 80 km/hr.
- It includes a 7.5-meter-wide emergency escape tunnel for safety, which also has potential future use for railway access.
- Developed with the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), the tunnel is known for its efficiency in tunnelling through challenging geological conditions.
- Engineering and Construction: The tunnel was constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), a technique known for its efficiency in challenging geological conditions.
- The tunnel took nine years to build, with construction starting in May 2015 and completion in 2024. The total cost of construction was Rs 2,700 crore.
Strategic Importance:
- Safety and Travel Efficiency: The Z-Morh Tunnel replaces a Z-shaped stretch of road that was prone to avalanches and landslides, significantly improving the safety and efficiency of travel.
- Military and Civil Use: In addition to civilian use, the tunnel is also strategically important for military logistics in the region.
- Tourism and Connectivity: The Z-Morh Tunnel will help reduce travel time between Srinagar and Sonamarg, making the area more accessible year-round for both locals and tourists.
- When completed, the Zojila Tunnel (another key tunnel) will further enhance connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh.
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