Strategic Z-Morh Tunnel: Enhancing Kashmir Connectivity

Description

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Context:

The Z-Morh tunnel, where seven persons were killed recently in a militant attack, is a strategic infra project on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway.

About Z-Morh Tunnel or Zoji-Morh Tunnel

Location	Zoji-Morh region, Jammu and Kashmir, on the Srinagar-Leh Highway (National Highway 1D).
Elevation and lenght	The tunnel is a 6.4-km long and 11,578 feet (approx. 3,530 meters).
Construction Agency	Originally planned by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012, the project was initially awarded to Tunnelway Ltd. However, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) later took over and re-tendered the contract, which was won by APCO Infratech through a special-purpose vehicle.
Tunnel Design	Two-lane carriageway constructed using modern tunneling technology.
Significance	Provides all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, which is often cut off due to heavy snowfall and avalanches in winter. Reduces travel time between Srinagar and Leh by around four hours by bypassing the Zoji-Morh pass.

About special purpose vehicle

It is a separate legal entity created by an organization. The SPV is a distinct company with its own assets and liabilities, as well as its own legal status. Usually, they are created for a specific objective, often to isolate financial risk.

Border Road Organization

It was formed on 7 May 1960 to secure India’s borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and north-east states of the country.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India.
BRO develops and maintains road networks in India’s border areas and friendly neighboring.
The headquarters of BRO is in New Delhi and the current Director General is Lt. Gen. Raghu Srinivasan.

SOURCE:

INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The Zoji-Morh Tunnel, which is an infrastructure project in India, is located between which of the following places?

Srinagar and Leh
Gagangair and Sonamarg
Gulmarg and Pahalgam
Jammu and Himachal

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: b

Explanation:

The Z-Morh Tunnel is a 6.5 km long 2-lane road tunnel between Gagangair and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The road used before was avalanche-prone and used to get blocked for several months, but the Z-Morh tunnel provides all-weather connectivity to the Sonamarg tourist town.