Ground Report | Zoji La Tunnel, Strategic ‘Game-Changer’ That Will Boost LoC-LAC Connectivity, Increasing Army’s Deterrence

14-km Zoji La Tunnel will act as deterrent for China & Pakistan, while also boosting trade and tourism. Said to be Asia’s longest, it will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh.

The Z-Morh Tunnel is part of a massive government push to ease connectivity through the challenging terrains of Kashmir and Ladakh. ( Image Source :Nayanima Basu )

Baltal (Ganderbal district, Kashmir): A drive of just over one hour from Srinagar brings one to Gagangir valley, from where starts the Z-Morh tunnel, one of the central government’s key projects that aim to ease connectivity through the challenging terrains of Kashmir and Ladakh.  The 6.5-km tunnel is being built under the mountain glacier Thajiwas Glacier, connecting Gagangir and the tourist paradise of Sonamarg, which currently remains off-limits in the winter on account of heavy