The geo-strategically important Z-Morh Tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH-1) is expected to be completed in December this year as 75% of the work has now been completed, according to an official statement issued today.

The tunnel, being built at a cost of Rs 2,680 crore, will ensure seamless all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Kargil and there will also be considerable reduction in travel time between Srinagar and Leh.

Besides, the Z-Morh tunnel will also give a boost to Sonamarg, a tourist town in Kashmir. Tourism activities like whitewater rafting on Thajiwas Glacier and Sindh River are expected to get a fillip.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and MPs of the Consultative Committee on Road Transport and Highways inspected the work at the tunnel today, the statement said.

This tunnel will promote social and economic development in the entire region. The debris generated during the construction work of this project has been used for way-side facilities and development of the area.

As many as 19 tunnels are being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir at a cost of Rs 25,000 crore. Under this, construction work of 6.5 km length Z-morh tunnel and approach road is in progress. This 2-lane road tunnel is being built under the mountain glacier Thajiwas Glacier between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district of Kashmir, the official statement said.

Under the Z-Morh tunnel project, a main tunnel of total length of 10.8 meters with a modified horse shoe shape escape tunnel of total length of 7.5 meters, D-shaped ventilation tunnel of total length of 8.3 meters, 2 major culverts of total length of 110 meters and 270 meters, 1 small culvert of total length of 30 meters is proposed.

Intelligent Traffic Management System has been installed in Z-Morh Tunnel which will make it easier to control traffic. Along with this, traffic will be facilitated through the dedicated escape tunnel.