Amarnath Yatris Call Z-Morh Tunnel a game-changer for pilgrimage travel

Srinagar, July 2, 2025 – As the Amarnath Yatra 2025 commenced with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of 5,892 pilgrims from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp, devotees and stakeholders are celebrating the newly operational Z-Morh Tunnel as a transformative development for the annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave shrine. The 6.5-km tunnel, connecting Gagangir to Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, is being hailed as a game-changer for its ability to provide all-weather connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance safety for pilgrims traveling via the Baltal route.The Z-Morh Tunnel, completed in late 2024, ensures year-round access to the Sonamarg region, a critical transit point for the 14-km Baltal route to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath Cave shrine. Pilgrims and local communities have expressed enthusiasm over the tunnel’s impact, with many taking to social media platforms like X to call it a “revolutionary step” for the Yatra. The tunnel eliminates the risks posed by avalanches and landslides on the previously treacherous stretch, which often disrupted travel during the pilgrimage season. “The Z-Morh Tunnel is a blessing for Amarnath Yatris. It’s safer, faster, and makes the journey to Lord Shiva’s shrine smoother,” said a devotee on X, echoing widespread sentiment.Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also chairs the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), emphasized the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure for the Yatra. While flagging off the first convoy on July 2, he highlighted efforts to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage, with the Z-Morh Tunnel playing a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity along the Baltal route. The tunnel is part of broader infrastructure upgrades under initiatives like the Vibrant Village Programme, aimed at boosting accessibility and economic opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir’s border areas.The 38-day Yatra, which began on July 3, 2025, and will continue until August 9, has seen robust preparations, including multi-tier security with over 180 paramilitary companies, AI-powered facial recognition systems, and a no-fly zone declaration for both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Despite a 10.19% drop in registrations following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, over 3.31 lakh devotees have registered, with 15,000 pilgrims permitted daily for crowd management. The Z-Morh Tunnel is expected to ease congestion and improve logistics, particularly for the 2,489 pilgrims traveling via Baltal in the first batch.Local stakeholders, including tour operators and ponywallahs, anticipate that the tunnel will boost religious tourism by making the Baltal route more reliable. “The Z-Morh Tunnel not only benefits Yatris but also supports our livelihoods by ensuring consistent pilgrim flow,” said a Sonamarg-based tour guide. The tunnel’s completion complements other regional developments, such as the planned promotion of Daati Maa Dev Sthan in Changiya, Arnia, as a religious tourism destination, signaling a broader push to enhance spiritual tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.As pilgrims embark on their sacred journey under heightened security and improved infrastructure, the Z-Morh Tunnel stands as a testament to the government’s efforts to make the Amarnath Yatra safer, more accessible, and spiritually enriching for devotees across India.