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How enhanced connectivity is transforming Kashmir – Firstpost

How enhanced connectivity is transforming Kashmir – Firstpost



The accession of Kashmir to the Indian Union in the aftermath of the tribal raids backed by Pakistan and the subsequent deployment of Indian troops, who had to be airlifted to Srinagar, highlighted the pressing need for improved connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.

Subsequently, the Jawahar Tunnel, a 2.85-kilometre-long passage beneath the Banihal Pass in the lower Himalayas, was constructed. The tunnel provided a year-round road connection between Srinagar and Jammu, a crucial strategic and logistical advantage for India. However, the road approaching the Jawahar Tunnel was prone to avalanches and snow blockage, creating inconvenience for the public. To address this issue, the construction of the Banihal-Qazigund Road Tunnel, a two-lane tunnel, was undertaken from 2011 to 2019 and opened in 2021.

On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the vital Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, Ganderbal, to the nation. He said that the Union Territory’s (UT) new road and train system had “already ended Dili ki Doori [distance between J&K and Delhi]”.

These developments have a profound impact on the connectivity of the Kashmir Valley, facilitating year-round access and reducing the risks associated with the treacherous mountain passes. The improved connectivity has not only enhanced logistical support and military deployment but also fostered economic and social integration, benefiting the local population.

Another significant milestone is the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, also called the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, which is a two-lane road tunnel that was completed in 2017. It is the longest road tunnel in India. This 9.2 km road tunnel between Chenani in Udhampur district and Nashri in Ramban district, which runs through the centre of the lower Himalayas, is an engineering feat that includes India’s first fully integrated mechanism to externally control everything from vehicle movement to air inflow and outflow, as well as the evacuation of passengers or vehicles in distress.

The most difficult roads, such as Patnitop, Kud, and Batote, that were impeding traffic during the winter, have been avoided by this all-weather tunnel. Minor tunnels, such as the Nandni tunnels between Jammu and Udhampur on NH44. By avoiding the 7 km of rough, rocky slopes between Jammu and Udhampur, this tunnel also cut down on travel time and distance.

Connecting the Kashmir Valley by Railways:

Till recently, the only means to connect Kashmir to the rest of India was by road. However, after more than 20 years of work, the goal of connecting Kashmir by railways has been accomplished, marking a new era in railway history. Even so, there were numerous engineering difficulties throughout the construction of the rail line to the Kashmir Valley. The Katra-Banihal segment of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Line in J&K was successfully trialled by Indian Railways. The Chenab Bridge, which is approximately 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower and is considered the highest arch railway bridge in the world, was successfully traversed by Indian Railways on June 20.

In order to facilitate the first direct train from Srinagar to Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to launch this crucial stretch on January 26, 2025. By enabling quicker, less expensive, and more consistent commodity movement, the railway link is also anticipated to revolutionise Kashmir’s economy. It is anticipated that the cost of bringing everyday necessities into the Valley will go down and that Kashmiri specialities like apples, dried fruits, pashmina shawls, and handicrafts will be able to reach markets throughout India more effectively.

Strategic Significance:

The 6.5-kilometre Z-Morh Tunnel, also known as the Sonamarg Tunnel, inaugurated by PM Modi on Monday, is a two-lane road tunnel that connects Gagangir and Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district. It has a D-shaped ventilation tunnel and an escape tunnel shaped like a horseshoe. This tunnel would make winter travel easier and safer by connecting Srinagar and Sonamarg. However, it is an integral part of the larger infrastructure project, the Zojila Tunnel, which will connect Drass, Ladakh, and is anticipated to be operational in 2028.

In addition to providing all-weather movement between Ladakh and Amarnath Cave, this tunnel will be strategically significant. Additionally, this will significantly cut down on time and distance travel. It will give Kashmiri youth possibilities, particularly through increasing tourism and the economy, and it will provide logistics to the military. The military forces will benefit greatly from the Zojila tunnel since it will enable the swift and easy movement of troops and supplies to the two frontiers, thereby preventing incursions from China and Pakistan.

The entire Kargil region, which has already seen invasion and conflict, benefits greatly from this pass. Such a tunnel was initially required during the Kargil conflict in 1999, and it is now urgently needed due to recent Chinese intrusions. Additionally, it is anticipated that the improved infrastructure will increase trade, promote economic activity, improve tourism, and improve access to healthcare and education for the local populace.

Socio-Economic impacts:

It is projected that these important infrastructure projects will improve regional connections, increase security, and stimulate local economic growth, thereby changing the socioeconomic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. In addition to making travel easier, better transportation systems will open up new commercial and tourism opportunities, which will benefit both locals and tourists.

The recently built bypasses through the initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, which connected practically all of Kashmir’s villages and apple orchards, will improve traffic flow, cutting down on travel time, facilitating fruit growers’ easy access to the city and mandis, and relieving traffic for both tourists and military vehicles travelling to the Kashmir Valley.

In addition to improving traffic, the project is anticipated to improve regional tourism and national security. The goal of the Srinagar Semi Ring Road, which was given approval in 2021, is to lessen traffic in five districts of Kashmir Valley: Ganderbal, Budgam, Baramulla, Srinagar, and Pulwama. Almost 300 culverts, two flyovers, and over-road bridges are all part of this 60-kilometre, Rs 2,919-crore project, which aims to reduce flood risks and simplify traffic.

The highway passes through the challenging terrain of Ramban and Banihal and includes 10 tunnels covering a total distance of 21.5 kilometres, along with viaducts and bridges to ensure seamless travel. The Jammu-Srinagar highway project has experienced delays and is now expected to be finished. Once operational, it will significantly improve mobility and connectivity for the region’s residents. By completing the Z-Morh tunnel, it will make travel easy, reduce journey time, and allow smoother mobility.

Sonamarg is among the most picturesque towns in Kashmir, noted for its natural beauty. It is a year-round tourist destination, and travellers from all over the world and the rest of the country visit here. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah takes personal interest in sports and in his recent tweet said that this will promote winter sports and adventure tourism, including the potentiality of changing Sonamarg into a major ski resort.

To conclude, the roads and railways enhance economic development in the region and provide employment opportunities to youth of Kashmir who have faced economic hardships. This will also help Kashmiri students to reach different colleges of India at affordable rates and will give them access to better education, health facilities for critical patients, the job market, and easy access to reach home. This will also provide support to local artisans and the local economy to a great extent, with cultural communities coming together for interaction and exchange of ideas.

The author is Kashmiri Student doing PhD at Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of international Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.



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