Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel on January 13 in a significant infrastructure boost for Jammu and Kashmir. The 6.5-kilometer Sonamarg tunnel, now officially called the Sonamarg Tunnel, was unveiled in the presence of CM Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The inauguration ceremony took place after PM Modi’s arrival in Srinagar, followed by a visit to Sonamarg.

Boosting Sonamarg as a Winter Sports Destination

Omar Abdullah emphasized that the tunnel would help develop Sonamarg into a prominent winter sports destination. He compared it to Gulmarg, which is renowned for its skiing resorts. “The local population will not have to leave in winter, and the travel time to Kargil and Leh from Srinagar will also reduce,” Abdullah stated during the event. PM Modi also praised the tunnel’s potential to improve tourism and local economies.

Seamless Connectivity and Economic Growth

Nitin Gadkari hailed the tunnel as a “marvel of engineering,” highlighting its role in ensuring seamless year-round connectivity. The tunnel will facilitate uninterrupted traffic flow between Srinagar and Ladakh, making it easier to transport local agricultural goods. “This bi-directional, 6.4-kilometer tunnel features a parallel escape tunnel for enhanced safety. It includes a 3.7 km creeper lane for heavily loaded vehicles, a 4.6 km western approach road, a 0.9 km eastern approach road, two major bridges, and one minor bridge,” Gadkari explained.

A Marvel of Engineering: Ensuring Seamless Connectivity Year-Round!

Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi Ji, inaugurated the Sonmarg Tunnel Pariyojana, constructed at a total cost of ₹2,717 crore and spanning a length of 11.98 km in Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir today.

The… pic.twitter.com/9Xfr3zjR37

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 13, 2025

Security Measures in Place for PM’s Visit

Ahead of the inauguration, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir increased efforts to secure the region, with an enhanced police and military presence. PM Modi was also scheduled to address a rally and meet workers involved in the tunnel’s construction.

PM Modi’s Enthusiasm for Tourism and Development

In a response to the benefits for tourism and the local economy, PM Modi expressed his eagerness about the project, saying, “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!”