PM Modi Expresses Excitement for Upcoming Visit to J&K's Sonamarg; CM Omar Evaluates Preparations

Srinagar, Jan 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed on Saturday his enthusiasm for his impending visit to the Sonamarg region in Jammu and Kashmir, where he is slated to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on Monday (January 13).

The Prime Minister's remarks came in response to the comments and videos shared by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on X, following his visit to the Gagangir area.

"I am looking forward to my trip to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You have rightly pointed out the advantages for tourism and the local economy. I also enjoyed the aerial images and videos!" PM Modi posted on X.

During his visit to the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district, Omar Abdullah checked on the preparations for PM Modi's visit on Monday.

"Today, I visited Sonmarg to assess the arrangements for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will facilitate year-round tourism in Sonmarg, which is set to transform into a prime ski resort. The local residents will no longer need to migrate in winter, and travel time to Kargil and Leh from Srinagar will also decrease," he shared on X.

The Chief Minister also uploaded several images from his visit on Saturday.

The Z-Morh tunnel will bypass the challenging section of the highway between Gagangir and Sonamarg, which frequently becomes inaccessible during winter due to avalanches and heavy snowfall.

PM Modi will also speak at a public gathering in Sonamarg on Monday.

Security measures have been meticulously planned for the venues that the Prime Minister will attend. A robust security framework involving the SPG, security forces, J&K police, and the army has been deployed across a 20-km radius of the Prime Minister's event locations.

The Z-Morh tunnel spans 6.5 km and consists of a 2-lane road tunnel connecting Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is named after the Z-shaped section of road it replaces (Z-Morh translates to "Z-turn" in English).

The previous road was prone to avalanches and could be blocked for extended periods; however, the Z-Morh tunnel ensures all-weather connectivity to the Sonamarg tourist destination.

Traveling through the 6.5 km-long tunnel will only take 15 minutes, as opposed to hours navigating the winding road through the hills. Once operational, the tunnel will create job opportunities for local youth, facilitate travel to the Ladakh region and the Amarnath Yatra, and significantly boost local tourism.

In advance of the formal inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel by PM Modi, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister conducted a comprehensive review of the arrangements at the project site.

Accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, the Chief Minister was briefed by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri regarding the exhaustive preparations for the inauguration of the strategically significant over 6 km-long tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh Highway.

"The Chief Minister inspected the tunnel tubes and engaged with the engineers and workers involved in the project, commending their hard work in completing this essential infrastructure," an official statement noted.

"He also visited the site where Prime Minister Modi is set to address a public gathering and officially dedicate the project to the nation. Emphasizing the region's tourism potential, CM Abdullah reiterated his vision of establishing Ganderbal as a leading winter sports destination.

"He highlighted that the Sonamarg Tunnel would not only guarantee all-weather access to Sonamarg but also complement Gulmarg as another skiing and winter sports hub, opening new pathways for tourism and economic advancement," it stated.

The Sonamarg Tunnel represents a crucial advancement in improving connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, ensuring all-weather access to Sonamarg while enhancing the region's economic and tourism prospects.