PM Modi Expresses Enthusiasm for Upcoming Visit to the Scenic Sonamarg Region
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Srinagar, Jan 11 (NationPress) On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated his keen anticipation for his upcoming trip to the Sonamarg region of Jammu and Kashmir, where he is slated to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on Monday, January 13.
The Prime Minister responded to remarks made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and shared videos he uploaded on X, after his visit to the Gagangir area on Saturday.
"I am looking forward to my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You have accurately noted the positive impacts on tourism and the local economy. I also appreciated the aerial images and videos!" PM Modi stated on X.
Omar Abdullah visited the Gagangir region in Ganderbal district on Saturday to make sure everything is in place for PM Modi's upcoming visit.
"I visited Sonmarg today to prepare for PM @narendramodi ji’s arrival on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will make Sonmarg accessible for tourism throughout the year; it will evolve into a premier ski resort. The local residents will no longer need to leave during winter, and travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will be significantly reduced," he wrote on X.
Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister shared several photos from his visit to the area on Saturday.
The Z-Morh tunnel is designed to circumvent the problematic highway segment from Gagangir to Sonamarg, which is often closed due to avalanches and heavy snowfall during winter.
On Monday, the Prime Minister will also hold a public gathering in Sonamarg.
Security measures have been established for the events the Prime Minister will attend.
A robust security framework, including the SPG, security forces, J&K police, and the army, has been implemented in a 20-km radius surrounding the Prime Minister's engagement locations.
The Z-Morh tunnel spans 6.5 km and consists of a 2-lane road between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
It derives its name from the Z-shaped road segment it replaces (Z-Morh translates to "Z-turn" in English).
The previous road was susceptible to avalanches and could be obstructed for months, but the Z-Morh tunnel offers year-round access to the Sonamarg tourism hotspot.
Traveling through the 6.5 km-long tunnel takes only 15 minutes, in contrast to the hours spent navigating the winding road through the hills.
Once operational, the tunnel is expected to generate employment opportunities for local youth, facilitate travel to the Ladakh region and for the Amarnath Yatra, and significantly enhance tourism in the region.
