[ruzbehxyz]

The Z-Morh tunnel is one of the two tunnels between Srinagar and Kargil, the other being Zoji La tunnel. Both are under construction.
The Z-Morh and Zoji La tunnel has great strategic importance for India as it will provide year long access to Ladakh, the access which gets blocked in winter due to excess snowfall. Besides strategic importance, the tunnels will also boost tourism, especially winter tourism.


Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...w/79843942.cms




Salient features:-
1) The tunnel is named after the Z-shaped stretch of the road between Gagangir and Sonmarg, which will be replaced by the tunnel.
2) The western portal of the tunnel (towards Srinagar) is located in the village Rezan just after Gagangir and the eastern portal (towards Sonamarg) is located at village Shetkari.

3) Total length - 6.5 km. long road.

4) The tunnel will be a two-lane bi-directional road tunnel.

5) Located at an elevation of 8,652 feet above sea level.

6) The tunnel is being excavated using the NATM tunneling method in view of the fragile Himalayan geology. The New Austrian tunneling method (NATM), also known as the sequential excavation method (SEM) or sprayed concrete lining method (SCL), is a method of modern tunnel design and construction employing sophisticated monitoring to optimize various wall reinforcement techniques based on the type of rock encountered as tunneling progresses.

6) The foundation stone was laid in 2012, however work started only in 2015. The work stalled by the civil contractor (Apco- Titan JV) due to non-payment of bills and severe financial constraints faced by the concessionaire/developer IL&FS Group companies, which led to foreclose the contract and work was stopped. APCO Infratech won the contract in 2019 and work resumed in 2020. The escape tunnel is ready, while the main tunnel is scheduled for completion is 2023.


Source: https://kashmirobserver.net/2020/01/...hji-tunnelway/



Source: https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashm...ic-by-nov-2021

https://youtu.be/L2oE68b7b1Y

[ruzbehxyz]

The second tunnel in line is the strategic Zoji la tunnel.

Salient features:-

1) A connecting tunnel from Z-Morh on NH1 to the Zojila tunnel will be built in the Zojila Ghats between Sonmarg and Kargil. The work on the entire 33-km span is divided into two divisions.

2) Total length is 14.15 km-long two-lane bi-directional single tube tunnel with a parallel 14.2 km-long egress tunnel. It will be 9.5 m wide, 7.57 m high, in shape of a horseshoe. In addition, a 2,350-m concrete ‘cut and cover’ tunnel will be built, along with 3 ventilation caverns/shafts. Works also include construction of portals, control buildings, ventilation buildings and muck disposables along the route.

3) The same New Austrian tunneling method (NATM), as mentioned above is being used.

4) The Zojila tunnel project is planned as a smart tunnel, it will have the latest safety features such as a fully transverse ventilation system, uninterrupted power supply, emergency lighting, CCTV monitoring, variable message signs, traffic logging equipment, and tunnel radio system.

5) The foundation stone was laid in 2018. Later after IL&FS Group companies went bankrupt, the contract went to MEIL (Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd). As of November 2021, excavation of tunnel 1 was completed.



Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/ex...-year-7540493/




Source: https://telanganatoday.com/everythin...zoji-la-tunnel

https://youtu.be/HHzslY_gZjs

[ruzbehxyz]

Traffic to be allowed through Z-morh tunnel by 15 November 2023: Div Com Kashmir.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole on Friday visited Sonamarg where he chaired a high level meeting of officers to review winter preparedness for keeping Sonamarg open during the winters.

At the outset, threadbare discussion was held regarding the necessary preparations and arrangements including water, electricity, health, road, fire service, snow clearing operation, mobile communication, traffic management, firewood and other related facilities to be put in place for keeping Sonamarg open during the winters.

To promote Sonamarg as winter tourist destination, the Div Com said that it is imperative to have all facilities available to the tourists especially heating arrangements in hotels, water and electricity besides proper plan for its promotion at all levels as a winter destination so that tourists can have the best experience here.

Source: http://risingkashmir.com/traffic-to-...iv-com-kashmir

[ruzbehxyz]

Interview of Mr. Harpal Singh, Project manager of the tunnels.

https://youtu.be/dDoky9nM0TM

[ruzbehxyz]

Decorated Z- Morh Tunnel in area, on 09 April 2023. The tunnel is set to be inaugurated on 10 April 2023 by India's Minister for Road Transport.

[Ironhide]

Excellent report there Sir. The Zojila and Z Morh tunnels may prove to be a game-changer for the Srinagar Leh Highway making it possible to travel to Leh from Srinagar in just 6-7 hours from the 14-15 hours it takes now. Plus, one will be able to do it all year round, no matter how much snow falls - expect to see some more Ladakh travelogues here !

This ought to act as a catalyst for tourism in Ladakh too, which is already super popular but will now become even more accessible. The tunnels will also create job opportunities and boost the economy of the region. It's another thing altogether that the tourists, (and locals too) would need to be sensitized about the fragile ecosystem of the region in order for it to be preserved.

It's heartening to see sustained efforts to improve connectivity of the region. The railways is going hammer and tongs on constructing the world's highest rail bridge at 359 metres over the Chenab River - a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India by rail. Once it's done, the bridge and the rail line will boost connectivity and economic development in the region.

The railways is adding more lines and stations in the valley as well as in the Jammu region. Then there are a slew of highways for the region that the MoRTH has announced. All in all, it's a sustained push by the Govt to improve connectivity and infrastructure which will only augur well for the development of the region.

Cheers !

[unoczar]

https://youtu.be/hAO8BUof9IM

How the Zoji La tunnel is being built. ETA 2026.