A key project to counter challenge posed by China, Pakistan: Expert

The Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district of Kashmir, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, holds significant strategic value as it will connect Gagangir with Sonamarg. Once completed, the Z-Morh tunnel, along with the ongoing Zojila tunnel project, will ensure faster movement of security forces to Ladakh.

The idea to connect Ladakh with the Kashmir region through the Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels emerged after the difficulties faced by the defense forces in sending supplies to Kargil during the 1999 war. Upon completion, the two tunnels will provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, a region that often remains disconnected from the rest of the country for months due to heavy snow accumulation.

Strategic experts highlight that the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel brings India closer to achieving an all-weather surface connection with Ladakh.

Professor Virender Koundal, Director of the Strategic and Regional Studies department at the University of Jammu, told The Tribune that once the Zojila tunnel is completed, “India will have geo-strategic dominance over Pakistan and China,” as it will enable rapid troop movement to the region. He further explained that during the 1999 war, the defence forces struggled to send supplies and artillery to the forward areas bordering Pakistan. However, with the completion of the Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels, the defence forces will gain a strategic advantage, enabling them to quickly deploy heavy artillery to Ladakh.

The Zojila tunnel project site is located along the existing highway that connects Sonamarg to Minamarg in Ladakh, at elevations ranging from 2700 meters to 3300 meters.

Several bridges are being constructed along this route, and a connecting tunnel from Z-Morh to the Zojila tunnel is also under construction in the Zojila Ghats which will connect Sonamarg and Kargil.