Ganderbal, June 16: The 6.5 Km long Z-Morh escape tunnel on Srinagar-Leh highway has been completed. The ceremonial blast marking its completion was done by Gurjeet Kambo, Executive Director NHIDCL (Projects), Regional Office Srinagar here on Wednesday.
Kambo appreciated the APCO Infratech, the concessionaire, for achieving the milestone of completing the work on the escape tunnel. He also felicitated the people of Sonamarg and the district administration Ganderbal on the occasion while acknowledging the role of local public for the smooth progress of the project.
The completion of the escape tunnel is a big achievement as it can be used for controlled traffic movement particularly during winter months when Sonamarg area remains shut due to the heavy snowfall and avalanches at few places.
A senior official of the APCO responsible for the construction of Z-Morh tunnel told Greater Kashmir that work on the escape tunnel was completed. “Only some minor work is to be carried out before it is thrown open for controlled traffic movement by November this year,” he said.
The 6.5 km long Z-Morh tunnel coming up on Srinagar-Leh highway near Gagengar area of Sonamarg is part of a mega project announced by the government of India. It marks the first step towards ensuring all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
Former minister and former MLA Kangan, Mian Altaf Ahmed, meanwhile, complimented the construction agency for achieving this milestone. “It is a good news that the escape tunnel has been completed; it will facilitate the locals and tourists to access Sonamarg during winters,” he said.
He also hailed DCs Showket Aijaz Bhat and Dr Piyush Singla during whose time, he said, “a lot of progress was made on the tunnel work”.
Pertinently, the Union Secretary RT&H last week visited the construction site of Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels at Sonamarg to have first-hand appraisal of the work.
After inspecting east and west portals of Z-Morh tunnel, the Union Secretary chaired a brief meeting and reviewed the progress of work on the project. The union secretary appreciated the construction agency of Z-Morh escape tunnel.
Meanwhile, a senior official of the National Highways and Industrial Development Corporation (NHIDCL) told Greater Kashmir that the work on the main tunnel has been expedited. “We have been able to achieve the set monthly targets so far.”
The official said that the main tunnel is likely to be completed by 2023. “Once completed, it will ensure round the year connectivity to the famous health resort Sonamarg, besides ensuring connectivity to the Zojila tunnel.”