PM Modi Visits Kashmir to Launch the Sonamarg Tunnel and Speak at a Rally

Srinagar, Jan 13 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived here on Monday for the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel, now referred to as the Sonamarg tunnel, located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Upon the arrival of his special aircraft at the technical area of Srinagar International Airport, the Prime Minister took an Air Force helicopter to Neelgrad in the Sonamarg region.

Upon landing at the Neelgrad helipad, he will proceed in a cavalcade to the Gagangir area, where he will officially inaugurate the Sonamarg tunnel, which ensures all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, transforming it into a year-round tourist destination.

Present at the tunnel inauguration will be Union Minister of Surface Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, MoS (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh, L-G Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Following the inauguration, PM Modi will deliver a speech at a public rally taking place at the truck yard in Sonamarg. Despite the harsh cold, hundreds have gathered at the venue to hear the Prime Minister.

This marks PM Modi's first visit to the union territory following the establishment of an elected government.

The Sonamarg tunnel is designed to bypass a section of the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway that is vulnerable to avalanches and heavy snowfall during the winter months.

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has overseen the construction of the Z-Morh tunnel, carried out by APCO Infratech Private Limited for a cost of Rs 2,700 crore. Construction began in 2018.

This tunnel is set to establish Sonamarg as an all-weather tourist destination, significantly aiding local employment and enhancing trade, tourism, and traffic to the Ladakh region, Amarnath Yatra, and local businesses.

The tunnel spans 6.5 km and features a 2-lane roadway connecting Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir. It was named the Z-Morh tunnel due to the Z-shaped stretch of road it replaces (Z-Morh translates to 'Z-turn' in English). Travelling through this tunnel takes just 15 minutes, in contrast to several hours on the winding road.

The Zojila Tunnel, currently under construction across the Zojila Pass, alongside the Z-Morh tunnel, aims to make travel to the Ladakh region safer and potentially accessible year-round.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district to oversee the preparations for PM Modi's arrival on Monday.

"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; it will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter, and travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also be reduced," he posted on X on January 11.

The Chief Minister also shared photos from his visit on Saturday. All eyes are now on PM Modi, who will dedicate the Sonamarg tunnel to the nation.