Sonamarg, January13, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the highly anticipated Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg, situated in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. This 6.4 km-long tunnel, a key infrastructure project along the Srinagar-Leh highway, is expected to significantly boost connectivity to Ladakh and enhance the region’s accessibility during harsh winter months.
The Prime Minister, who arrived by a special helicopter from the Srinagar technical airport, took a comprehensive tour of the tunnel after its inauguration. He met the engineers, construction workers, and officials involved in the project, offering them his congratulations for their efforts in completing the tunnel. During the visit, PM Modi was briefed on the technical details and importance of the tunnel by senior officers overseeing the project.
Alongside the Prime Minister, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were present at the event. The Z-Morh Tunnel, part of the larger Zojila Tunnel project, was constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 2,700 crore and is a critical milestone in ensuring all-weather road connectivity between Ladakh and Srinagar.
The Z-Morh Tunnel is expected to transform the region’s infrastructure by bypassing treacherous landslide-prone and avalanche-prone routes, providing a safer and uninterrupted link between Srinagar, Sonamarg, and Leh. Located at an altitude of over 8,650 feet, it will offer year-round accessibility, something that was previously a challenge due to extreme weather conditions in the region.
In addition to improving the strategic road link, the tunnel is set to promote tourism by making Sonamarg a year-round destination. The new connectivity will boost winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods, transforming the area into an attractive spot for visitors seeking both natural beauty and adventure.
During his address to the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the importance of this project not only for the region’s connectivity but also for its potential to drive economic growth through tourism and trade. A large crowd, braving the chilly temperatures, had gathered in Sonamarg to hear the Prime Minister’s speech, marking the significance of the occasion.
This visit marks PM Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of the new elected government in the Union Territory in October of the previous year. The Z-Morh Tunnel, part of an ambitious infrastructure initiative, will play a crucial role in strengthening the strategic and economic ties between Kashmir and Ladakh, further supporting the development of the region.
The successful completion of the tunnel also reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism, and ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir benefit from improved connectivity and safety, making this a historic moment for the region.
This landmark infrastructure development underlines the transformative impact of the Zojila and Z-Morh tunnel projects, cementing their place in the future of the region’s connectivity, tourism, and overall economic progress.
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