The inauguration ceremony took place after PM Modi’s arrival in Srinagar at 11 am, followed by a visit to Sonamarg.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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