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| India's Road Transport and Highways Ministry Accelerates Connectivity Projects with Inauguration of Z-Morh Tunnel on Srinagar-Leh Highway Next Month: More Tunnels in the Pipeline for Jammu and Srinagar Region |
The Z-Morh tunnel, located on the Srinagar-Leh highway, is set to be inaugurated next month. The 6.5 km tunnel will provide connectivity round-the-year between Gagangir and Sonamarg. This announcement was made by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari during his address at Assocham's Annual Day 2023. In addition, Gadkari noted that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also constructing nine tunnels between Jammu and Srinagar.
The Z-Morh tunnel is a significant infrastructure project, which will greatly benefit the region. The tunnel's construction has been aimed at providing a viable route between Srinagar and Leh that remains open throughout the year. Previously, heavy snowfall in the region meant that the Srinagar-Leh highway would be closed for several months each year. With the completion of the Z-Morh tunnel, the highway will be accessible year-round.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also constructing Asia's longest tunnel at Zojila. The 13.5-km tunnel, being built for Rs 4,900 crore, is expected to be completed in 2024. The tunnel will play a key role in making the road connecting Srinagar with Leh an all-weather one. Once complete, it will be a significant engineering feat and a major milestone in the region's infrastructure development.
The progress on the construction of the Zojila tunnel has been significant, with 65-70% of the work completed so far. The original deadline for the project is December 2026. The completion of the tunnel will greatly reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh, which currently takes around 12-15 hours.
During his address, Gadkari also emphasized the need for reducing India's logistics cost from 16% to 9% by the end of 2024. The logistics cost in China is 8%, while the logistics cost in the USA and European Union is 12%. Reducing logistics cost will greatly benefit India's economy, with exports increasing by 1.5 times.
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Conclusion
The completion of the Z-Morh tunnel and the progress on the Zojila tunnel are significant infrastructure projects that will greatly benefit the region. The connectivity round-the-year between Srinagar and Leh will significantly boost the region's economy and provide better opportunities for the people living in the region.
FAQs
- When is the Z-Morh tunnel expected to be inaugurated? The Z-Morh tunnel is expected to be inaugurated next month.
- What is the length of the Zojila tunnel? The Zojila tunnel is 13.5 km long.
- What is the expected completion date of the Zojila tunnel? The Zojila tunnel is expected to be completed in 2024.
- Why is reducing logistics cost important for India's economy? Reducing logistics cost will greatly benefit India's economy, with exports increasing by 1.5 times.
- How many tunnels are being constructed between Jammu and Srinagar? The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is constructing nine tunnels between Jammu and Srinagar.