State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 10 Jan 2025

PM to Inaugurate Z-Morh Tunnel

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister is going to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on 13th January 2025, marking the first major milestone in establishing a year-round strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh. 

 Key Points 

• Strategic Importance of the Z-Morh Tunnel: 
  • Year-Round Access: 
    • The Z-Morh tunnel, located in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, is crucial for keeping Sonamarg open to tourists throughout the year. 
    • It addresses the previous issue where snowfall and avalanches would block access to the tourist spot in winters. 

• Tunnel Features: 
  • The Z-Morh tunnel, located under the Thajiwas Glacier, bypasses areas prone to landslides and avalanches. 
  • An intelligent traffic management system will help regulate vehicle flow and will also facilitate adventure tourism at Thajiwas Glacier and the Sindh River. 
• Cultural and Tourism Boost: 
  • The tunnel was praised as a major infrastructure asset for central Kashmir, with significant potential to boost winter tourism in the region. 
• Details of the Tunnel Project: 
  • Cost and Length: 
    • The Z-Morh tunnel, built at a cost of Rs 2,680 crore, is 6.5 km long and features a two-lane passage. 
    • It includes a 10.8-meter main tunnel, a modified horseshoe-shaped escape tunnel, and several culverts. 
  • Connectivity: 
    • The Z-Morh tunnel is part of the larger strategic route to Ladakh, linking to the Zojila tunnel. 
    • The Zojila tunnel, Asia's longest, will reduce travel time between Ganderbal and Kargil from three hours to just 20 minutes. 
• Geopolitical and Strategic Significance: 
  • The Zojila and Z-Morh tunnels are vital for the movement of goods and personnel, especially for security forces stationed in Ladakh. 
  • The Zojila Pass is currently the only road linking Kashmir to Ladakh but is often closed during the winter months due to heavy snow. 
  • Both tunnels are located in seismic Zone IV, necessitating the implementation of robust safety measures to prevent structural damage. 

Vande Bharat for Katra-Srinagar Route

Why in News? 

Recently, the Railway Board unveiled a Vande Bharat Express train, specially designed to operate seamlessly in the challenging winter conditions of Jammu & Kashmir, for the upcoming Katra-Srinagar rail route. 

 Key Points 

• Climate-Specific Features: 
  • The Vande Bharat Express, stationed at Shakurbasti coaching depot in New Delhi, has been specially designed for Jammu & Kashmir's extreme winter conditions. 
  • It features advanced heating systems to prevent the freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, ensure the vacuum system and laboratories remain warm, and optimize air-brake system functionality in sub-zero temperatures. 
• Passenger Amenities: 
  • The train also includes all amenities found in existing Vande Bharat Express trains, such as fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging sockets. 
• Symbol of Connectivity: 
  • The train connects the Kashmir Valley more effectively to the national railway network, symbolizing India's commitment to bridging geographical and economic gaps. 

 Vande Bharat Trains 

• It is an indigenously designed and manufactured semi high speed, self-propelled train that is touted as the next major leap for the Indian Railways in terms of speed and passenger convenience since the introduction of Rajdhani trains. 
• The first Vande Bharat was manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai as part of the ‘Make in India’ programme, at a cost of about Rs. 100 crore. 
• The Vande Bharat was India’s first attempt at adaptation of the train set technology compared with conventional systems of passenger coaches hauled by separate locomotives. 
• The train set configuration, though complex, is faster, easier to maintain, consumes less energy, and has greater flexibility in train operation. 

 About Indian Railways 

• It was established in 1853 and is one of the largest railway networks globally.  
• The first train in India ran over a distance of 21 miles, connecting Bombay and Thane.  
• India has the 3^rd largest metro-rail network in the world after China and the US. By 2050, India is projected to account for 40% of the global rail activity.