Stage set for PM Modi to inaugurate Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg

Srinagar, Jan 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 6.4 km-long Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, Ganderbal district, on Monday, January 12, 2025. The strategic tunnel, which enhances connectivity and bypasses avalanche-prone routes, is expected to significantly improve all-weather access between Srinagar and Sonamarg, benefiting both tourism and regional security.

The Prime Minister will arrive at Srinagar’s technical airport around 11 a.m. on Monday, from where he will be flown by helicopter to the inauguration site at Shutkadi village in Sonamarg. The event will also be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with other dignitaries.

In addition to the tunnel’s inauguration, Modi will address a public gathering and meet the workers and engineers who contributed to the project’s completion under challenging conditions.

The Z-Morh Tunnel, costing over Rs 2,700 crore, is expected to promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods. The tunnel will also ensure safer and uninterrupted access to the Ladakh region, a critical strategic area.

Extensive security arrangements have been made for the event, with the Special Protection Group (SPG) taking charge of the Prime Minister’s security at the venue. Security forces, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), are conducting thorough vehicle checks to ensure a smooth visit.

Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) has deployed approximately 250 buses to transport people to the venue. Additionally, district officers in Ganderbal have been directed to remain available on Sunday to ensure smooth coordination during the event.

This visit marks PM Modi’s first to Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of an elected government in the Union Territory in October 2024.