Jammu & Kashmir: Unmatched Security Measures Prior to PM Modi's Inauguration of Sonamarg Tunnel

Srinagar, Jan 12 (NationPress) Unprecedented security measures were established on Sunday throughout the Kashmir Valley as the regions around Sonamarg and Gagangir in the Ganderbal district were effectively sealed off to prevent troublemakers and anti-national elements from causing disruptions before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on Monday.

PM Modi is set to launch the Z-Morh tunnel on Monday, which aims to transform the Srinagar-Sonamarg route into an all-weather roadway.

The authorities mandated that all government offices in Ganderbal district remain operational on Sunday to ensure that officials are available to provide necessary information to the security forces and the administration.

Police and security personnel are closely monitoring and inspecting vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement across all ten districts of the Kashmir Valley. The districts of Srinagar, Bandipora, and Baramulla, in proximity to Ganderbal, are under heightened security focus compared to other areas.

All vehicles entering Ganderbal district are subjected to thorough inspections, including occupant frisking and the use of electronic devices to scan vehicle boots and undercarriages.

Access to traffic ahead of Kangan town in Ganderbal is restricted unless individuals possess special passes issued by security officials. Gagangir and Sonamarg are situated 45 km beyond Kangan town along the Srinagar-Leh national highway.

All hotels, restaurants, shops, Dhabas, and other establishments are undergoing inspections, with the backgrounds of occupants being checked and verified. The army and security forces dominate areas including villages, hamlets, forests, and mountain peaks within a 20 km radius of Gagangir and Sonamarg.

Continuous patrolling by security forces is taking place along the Srinagar-Leh highway up to Baltal, the farthest end of the Valley.

Traffic along the Srinagar-Leh highway has been suspended from Saturday to Monday.

The innermost layer of the Prime Minister's security is managed by the Special Protection Group (SPG), solely dedicated to the PM's safety.

The second and third layers are protected by police and security forces, while the army oversees the outermost layer extending up to 20 km from the location of the Prime Minister's public rally at Sonamarg and the Z-Morh tunnel.

PM Modi will inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel, which bypasses the hazardous road segment from Gagangir to Sonamarg.

This route is particularly vulnerable to avalanches and heavy snowfall during winter.

Following the inauguration, attended by Union Minister for Surface Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other dignitaries, the PM will host a public rally in Sonamarg.

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) oversees the Z-Morh tunnel, which was constructed by APCO Infratech Private Limited at a cost of Rs 2,400 crore. Construction of the tunnel commenced in 2018.

This tunnel is set to make Sonamarg a year-round tourist destination, consequently aiding local youth employment, enhancing trade, tourism, traffic to the Ladakh region, Amarnath Yatra, and local businesses.

The Z-Morh Tunnel spans 6.5 km as a two-lane tunnel connecting Gagangair and Sonamarg in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir.

It is named after the Z-shaped stretch of road that the tunnel replaces (the term Z-Morh translates to "Z-turn" in English).

The previous road was susceptible to avalanches and often blocked for months; however, the Z-Morh tunnel offers all-weather connectivity to the Sonamarg tourist area.

Traveling through the 6.5 km long tunnel takes just 15 minutes, in contrast to the hours required over the winding road through the hills.

The Zojila Tunnel, currently under construction across the Zojila Pass, together with the Z-Morh tunnel, will enhance safety for journeys to the Ladakh region and potentially throughout the year.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district on Saturday to review the arrangements for PM Modi's visit on Monday.

"Visited Sonmarg today to assess preparations for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will make Sonamarg accessible for tourism year-round; it will now be developed into an exceptional ski resort. The local populace will not need to migrate during winter, and travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also decrease," he posted on X on January 11.

The Chief Minister also shared images from his visit to the area on Saturday.

All attention is now directed towards Monday when the vision of establishing Sonamarg as an all-weather destination is set to materialize with the Prime Minister's dedication of the Z-Morh tunnel to the nation.