Prime Minister Modi Unveils the Sonamarg Tunnel, Committing It to the Nation

Gagangir (Sonamarg), Jan 13 (NationPress) On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially dedicated the Sonamarg tunnel in Kashmir to the nation following its inauguration and thorough inspection. The event was graced by Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Surface Transport and Highways, as well as Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

During the event, PM Modi engaged with the engineers and laborers whose dedication made this all-weather connectivity a reality. He not only encouraged them but also attentively listened to their insights regarding the Rs 2,700 crore tunnel's technical aspects.

The Prime Minister expressed his admiration for the efforts of all those involved in constructing the tunnel, particularly given the demanding weather conditions and challenging terrain of the region.

Earlier, PM Modi arrived at the technical zone of Srinagar International Airport via a special aircraft, followed by an Air Force helicopter ride to Neelgrad in Sonamarg.

Upon landing at the Neelgrad helipad, he proceeded in a convoy to the Gagangir area, where he inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel.

Additionally, PM Modi plans to address a public rally at the truck yard in Sonamarg. Hundreds of individuals have gathered, undeterred by the extreme cold, to attend the PM's address, marking his first visit to the union territory since the establishment of an elected government.

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

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) supervised the construction of the Z-Morh tunnel, carried out by APCO Infratech Private Limited at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore. Construction commenced in 2018, and this tunnel is expected to transform Sonamarg into a year-round tourist hub, enhancing job opportunities for local youth and boosting trade, tourism, and accessibility to the Ladakh region, Amarnath Yatra, and local businesses.

The tunnel spans 6.5 km and features a 2-lane road connecting Gagangair and Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. It was previously known as the Z-Morh tunnel, named for the Z-shaped road segment that it replaces (with Z-Morh translating to 'Z-turn' in English). Travel time through the 6.5 km tunnel is reduced to just 15 minutes, compared to several hours navigating the winding roads.

The construction of the Zojila Tunnel across the Zojila Pass, in tandem with the Z-Morh tunnel, aims to ensure a safer journey to the Ladakh region year-round.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Gagangir area in Ganderbal district on Saturday. He remarked, "Visited Sonmarg today to assess preparations for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will make Sonamarg a year-round tourist destination, facilitating development as a prominent ski resort. The local community will no longer need to migrate in winter, and travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will be significantly reduced," he posted on X on January 11.