Terror Strikes J&K: 7 Killed in Z-Morh Tunnel Attack
On Sunday night, employees of APCO Infratech, an infrastructure firm in charge of building the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway, were the target of militants in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the first militant attack on a major infrastructure project in the area, and it claimed the lives of seven workers. In Jammu and Kashmir, militants had hitherto refrained from attacking these kinds of initiatives. According to Indian Express, the completion of the Z-Morh tunnel is a critical infrastructure project that will have a major impact on the region’s economy and strategy.
What is the Z-Morh Tunnel?
The Z-Morh tunnel, which runs 6.4 kilometers, connects Kangan town in the Ganderbal region of central Kashmir with the Sonamarg health resort. The tunnel, which is close to Gagangir hamlet, would connect Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination along the Srinagar-Leh route, in all weather conditions. The road segment where the tunnel is being built is shaped like a Z, hence its name.
Significance of Z-Morh Tunnel
The Z-Morh Tunnel is positioned at an altitude of over 8,500 feet in a region that faces heavy snowfall and avalanches, making the route to Sonamarg impassable during winter. As a result, Sonamarg often remains isolated from the rest of the state for most of the winter season. This tunnel aims to tackle this problem by providing year-round connectivity, which is essential not only for tourism but also for the local population.
Project Timeline and Challenges
The Z-Morh Tunnel project was first proposed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012. Initially, the construction contract was given to Tunnelway Ltd., but it was later transferred to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). NHIDCL re-tendered the project, which was finally awarded to APCO Infratech through a special-purpose vehicle named APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited. Read More-https://24x7newsroom.com/jk-seven-killed-in-terrorist-attack-on-z-morh-tunnel-heres-the-reason-militants-targeted-this-project/