On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg, located in the Ganderbal district of Central Kashmir. After arriving at Srinagar International Airport via a special aircraft, the Prime Minister took an Air Force helicopter to Neelgrad in the Sonamarg area. From there, he traveled by car to the Gagangir region, where the tunnel was officially opened, promising all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg and transforming it into a year-round tourist destination.
During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi took a moment to meet with construction workers, acknowledging their hard work and dedication in building the tunnel under challenging conditions. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Z-Morh Tunnel is expected to bring significant benefits to the region, particularly in terms of tourism and local livelihoods. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized that the tunnel will provide year-round access to Sonamarg, which was previously only reachable during the summer months. He also shared plans to develop Sonamarg into a winter sports hub, similar to the well-known Gulmarg.
The tunnel will facilitate improved travel between Srinagar and Leh, and with the upcoming completion of the Zojila Tunnel, even greater connectivity is anticipated. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the Z-Morh Tunnel as a symbol of modernization and growth in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the ongoing developmental progress in the region.
Notably, the Sonamarg Tunnel will bypass a section of the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway that is vulnerable to avalanches and heavy snowfall during winter, ensuring safer travel for residents and tourists alike. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) oversaw the construction of the Z-Morh Tunnel, which was built by APCO Infratech Private Limited at a cost of ₹2,700 crore. Construction began in 2018, and the completion of this project marks a significant milestone for infrastructure development in the area.
This visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s first trip to the union territory since an elected government took office, underscoring the importance of the Z-Morh Tunnel in the region’s future.
