PM Modi to inaugurate Sonamarg tunnel on Monday
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Jan 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on Monday in the central district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The tunnel is a critical infrastructure project that will not only provide all-weather connectivity to the famous tourist resort of Sonamarg but will also help connect Kashmir and Ladakh throughout the year.
With just a day left until his visit to Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his excitement about visiting Sonamarg on Saturday.
In a post on X, as per Kashmir Despatch, the Prime Minister stated, “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. I also loved the aerial pictures and videos!” This was in response to a post by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Sonamarg to review preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. He was accompanied by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and other officers from the police and civil administration.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, “Visited Sonamarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will open Sonamarg to tourism all year round. Sonamarg will now be developed as a great ski resort.
The local population will not have to leave in winter, and the travel time from Srinagar to Kargil/Leh will also be reduced,” Omar wrote on X.
Meanwhile, an official told Kashmir Despatch that this tunnel was developed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). He said the Z-Morh tunnel is a 6.412 km-long tunnel that connects Sonamarg with Kangan town in the central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
The official stated that this tunnel has been constructed near Gagangir village, close to Sonamarg, a famous tourist destination on the Srinagar-Leh highway. It will provide all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg as well as to Ladakh, which is important for strategic and military reasons.
“The Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir is a game-changer for the region, offering more than just a connection between Gagangir and Sonamarg. This engineering marvel is poised to unlock the full potential of the region’s trade and tourism sectors,” the NHIDCL said on X.
Notably, Z-Morh has acquired its name from the Z-shaped road stretch that previously existed at the site where the tunnel is being constructed. This stretch was situated at an altitude of over 8,500 feet and was prone to snow avalanches in the winter, thus closing the Sonamarg road for most of the season.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up around the Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.
A senior police officer told Kashmir Despatch that security has also been strengthened in many areas of the valley, including Srinagar.
“Security has been tightened near the Z-Morh tunnel. Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place, and the PM’s security team, comprising SPG personnel, has taken over the venue,” the official said.
He stated that the deployment of security personnel has been increased in vulnerable areas, and checkpoints have been set up at several locations.
“Checking and frisking of people and vehicles have been intensified, while patrolling exercises are also taking place,” the official further added.
