NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 08 (NVI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kashmir on January 13 to inaugurate the strategically significant Z-Morh tunnel, providing all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and the renowned tourist destination, Sonamarg in Ganderbal district.
The 6.5-kilometer-long tunnel, constructed at a cost of Rs 2,400 crore, is situated along the Srinagar-Leh highway in Ganderbal district. Built in a region prone to snow avalanches, the tunnel will ensure year-round access to Sonamarg, which has remained largely cut off during harsh winters.
This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the 2024 assembly elections and the establishment of an elected government in the Union Territory.
The Z-Morh tunnel is a key component of the larger Zojila tunnel project, which, upon completion, will become India’s longest road tunnel, ensuring all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley.
The project has had its share of challenges. On October 20 last year, terrorists targeted one of its construction sites, resulting in the tragic loss of seven workers, including a doctor. Originally planned by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012, the project was later re-tendered and taken over by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in collaboration with a private company.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hailed the development, describing it as a transformative step for the region. “This vital infrastructure will be a game changer for the expansion of winter tourism in the Valley,” Abdullah stated in a social media post.
The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel is expected to significantly boost tourism and economic activity in the region, making Sonamarg accessible throughout the year. (News Vibes of India)
