Srinagar - Jammu & Kashmir : Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the much-awaited Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg, JammuKashmir, on Monday afternoon. The ceremony took place at 12:50 pm, with Union Ministers Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other officials in attendance.
The inauguration was conducted at the East Portal of the tunnel. Following the event, the Prime Minister, along with the Union Ministers and local officials, took a tour of the tunnel. After their visit, they proceeded directly to the main venue.
The Z-Morh Tunnel, which spans 6.5 kilometers, is set to revolutionize access to Sonamarg, ensuring that the region remains accessible from Srinagar throughout the year. Previously, severe winter conditions made it difficult to reach Sonamarg during the colder months.This tunnel holds immense importance not only for the region’s connectivity but also from a defense perspective, as it will enhance accessibility to areas that are vital for national security. Officials highlighted that the tunnel is expected to improve transportation and logistics, facilitating quicker movement of troops and resources, making it a key asset in strengthening the region’s defense capabilities.
Work on the tunnel began in May 2015, but the project experienced significant delays. The initial contractor, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS), halted operations in 2018 due to financial issues. In 2019, the project was retendered, and APCO Infratech was awarded the contract in January 2020. The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2012 October, by C P Joshi, the then Minister for Surface Transport, during the UPA II government.
Originally slated for completion by 2016-2017, the Rs 2,716.90 crore tunnel is now finished. This long-awaited infrastructure will not only facilitate year-round access to Sonamarg but also improve travel to Leh, benefiting the region significantly.
J K. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of the project, noting its potential to transform Sonamarg into a major ski resort, attracting tourists and boosting the region's economy. Additionally, the project aims to cut down travel time to Kargil and Leh, providing better connectivity. This development is also seen as a key factor in ensuring that local residents no longer feel compelled to migrate during the severe winter months, thus fostering community stability throughout the year.
It was at 10.40-am, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Srinagar airport, marking the beginning of his visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Upon arrival, he headed directly to Sonamarg, a picturesque town in the region, where he was scheduled to inaugurate a significant infrastructure project—a strategic tunnel, as per official statement.