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

Srinagar, Jan 12: All necessary arrangements have been finalised for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sonamarg, where he will inaugurate the strategic 6.4 km-long Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district on Monday, officials said on Sunday.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive at Srinagar’s technical airport around 11 a.m. on Monday. From there, he will be flown to the venue in Sonamarg via a special helicopter to preside over the inauguration ceremony of the Z-Morh tunnel, they said.

Among others, the inauguration ceremony will be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, besides other dignitaries.

The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering soon after the inauguration of the tunnel and will meet the tunnel construction workers and engineers who have worked in challenging conditions, acknowledging their contribution to this engineering feat.

This is the PM’s first visit since an elected government came to power in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October last year.

“All adequate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the event,” officials said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday personally reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Sonamarg on Monday.

A multi-tier security setup has also been put in place to ensure incident-free conduct of the event.

According to official sources, the Special Protection Group (SPG), tasked with the Prime Minister’s security, has taken over the control of the security at the venue of the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel at Shutkadi village in Sonamarg. The security in the entire Ganderbal district has been stepped up.

The SPG, in coordination with J&K Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), is working round the clock to ensure the smooth visit of Modi.

In Srinagar and en route to the Ganderbal district, security forces were seen randomly checking vehicles, including two-wheelers, to ensure no untoward incident took place during the prime minister’s visit to Sonamarg.

The Z-Morh Tunnel project has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel, an egress tunnel, and approach roads.

It will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.

Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.

Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport (JKSRTC) has pressed into service about 250 buses to ferry people to the venue.

“Meticulous logistic planning has been executed to manage operation efficiently despite the cold winter condition,” an official said.

Meanwhile, the District Administrations at Ganderbal have directed officers at all levels to be available on Sunday despite it being a holiday.

As per an order issued by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Ganderbal, all offices within the jurisdiction of District Ganderbal will remain open on January 12, 2025 (Sunday) to ensure better coordination and information sharing.

 “All district, sectorial, tehsil, and block-level officers shall also remain available to provide any kind of information when required,” the order reads.

Z-Morh tunnel will help Sonamarg become winter sports destination like Gulmarg: Omar

Srinagar, Jan 12: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Sunday said the opening of the Z-Morh tunnel will enable the development of Sonamarg resort in Ganderbal district as a winter sports destination, similar to the famous Gulmarg skiing resort town.

“Tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel. This will allow the development of Sonamarg as a winter sports destination,” Abdullah told reporters in Gulmarg, 52 kilometers from here.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the 6.5-kilometer Z-Morh tunnel, which will make the Sonamarg town accessible throughout the year.

Abdullah is in Gulmarg to promote winter sports activities in the scenic north Kashmir town.

“Over the next five years, we will make full efforts to develop Sonamarg as a winter sports destination, just like we have developed Gulmarg,” he added.

Abdullah said he had come to Gulmarg to record a program for tourism promotion.

“If more tourists come here, it will mean more earnings for the local people, whether they are ski guides, ski instructors, sledge operators, ATV and snowmobile operators, or small businesses like restaurants and dhabas,” he said.

The chief minister also said that the Khelo India Winter Games would be held in Gulmarg in February this year, and the union territory is preparing to host the event.

“We still have some time before the Khelo India Winter Games. I hope there will be more snow before that,” he said.

When asked if Gulmarg was ready to host an international winter sports event, Abdullah responded, “We cannot even think of it at the moment. Our slopes are not of that level right now. We will have to improve our slopes before we can host international events.”