SRINAGAR: Ahead of the much-anticipated inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conducted a comprehensive review of the arrangements at the project site in Sonamarg, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Accompanied by his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali, the Chief Minister inspected the 6.4-kilometre tunnel and interacted with engineers and workers who played a key role in its construction. Expressing his appreciation for their dedication in completing this ambitious infrastructure project, Abdullah highlighted the tunnel’s significance in ensuring all-weather connectivity and enhancing the region’s economic and tourism potential.
The Chief Minister was briefed on the preparations for the inauguration by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri. He also visited the venue where Prime Minister Modi is set to address a public gathering and formally dedicate the project to the nation.
Speaking about the transformative potential of the Z-Morh Tunnel, Abdullah reiterated his vision of making Ganderbal a premier winter sports destination. He emphasised that the tunnel, which ensures year-round access to Sonamarg, would complement Gulmarg as a skiing and adventure sports hub, creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.
The Z-Morh Tunnel, constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,400 crore, is a key infrastructure development along the Srinagar-Leh Highway. At an altitude of 8,650 feet, the tunnel bypasses landslide-prone and avalanche-ridden areas, ensuring safer and uninterrupted connectivity to the strategically significant Ladakh region. In addition to its main tunnel, the project includes an egress tunnel for enhanced safety and well-developed approach roads.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the tunnel on January 13. The event marks a historic step in bolstering infrastructure and strategic connectivity in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Reports suggest that the Prime Minister will visit the site around noon, followed by a public address.
In a social media post ahead of his visit, Modi expressed his excitement about the inauguration. “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir, for the tunnel inauguration. The benefits for tourism and the local economy are immense,” he wrote, sharing aerial views of the picturesque region.
Beyond its strategic importance for defence logistics and trade, the Z-Morh Tunnel is expected to transform Sonamarg into a year-round tourism hub. With plans to develop it as a winter sports destination, the region is poised to attract adventure enthusiasts and bolster local livelihoods.
This milestone is part of a larger plan to enhance connectivity along NH-1, with the Zojila Tunnel, slated for completion by 2028, further shortening travel times between Srinagar and Leh. Together, these projects are expected to catalyse economic growth, foster socio-cultural integration, and ensure holistic development across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
During the inauguration, the Prime Minister is also expected to meet and interact with construction workers who overcame challenging weather conditions to complete this landmark project. Their efforts have not only brought a significant engineering feat to life but also paved the way for long-term progress in the region.
With the Z-Morh Tunnel set to unlock new opportunities for tourism, commerce, and connectivity, the project is being hailed as a game-changer for the Himalayan region.
