SRINAGAR, Jan 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that he was eagerly waiting for his visit to Sonamarg for the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel.
Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah besides top Army Commanders are likely to join the ‘Veterans Day’ celebrations at Akhnoor on January 14.“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!” the PM wrote on X.
“Visited Sonamarg today to review preparations for PM Narendra Modi’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will open Sonamarg to tourism all year round, Sonamarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter & the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also reduce,” Omar wrote on X.
The Chief Minister was briefed by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on the comprehensive preparations for the inauguration of the strategic tunnel.
Omar inspected the tunnel tubes and interacted with the engineers and workers involved in the construction of the project, expressing his appreciation for their efforts in completing this vital infrastructure.
The CM also visited Shutkadi where Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address a public gathering and formally dedicate the project to the nation. He emphasized that the Sonamarg Tunnel would not only ensure all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg but also supplement Gulmarg as another skiing and winter sports destination, unlocking new avenues for tourism and economic growth.
The Sonamarg Tunnel is a significant milestone in improving connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, ensuring all-weather access to Sonamarg and enhancing the region’s economic and tourism prospects.
PM Modi is inaugurating Z-Morh tunnel on January 13 at around 11:45 am for which preparations are being given final shape at Shutkadi near Sonamarg tourist resort. The function will be held in presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari; Union MoS for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh; Union MoS for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta; Lt Governor Manoj Sinha; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma; Member Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and MP Ghulam Ali.
The PM will visit the tunnel which will be followed by its inauguration and will also address the gathering on the occasion. He will meet the construction workers who have worked meticulously in the harshest conditions, acknowledging their contribution to this engineering feat.
The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km length, an egress tunnel and approach roads.
Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical ladakh region. It will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.
Along with the Zojila Tunnel, set for completion by 2028, it will reduce the route length and boost vehicle speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh. This enhanced connectivity will boost defence logistics, drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
In the meantime, security has been beefed up around the Z-Morh tunnel and in many areas of the Valley, including Srinagar. The venue is now off-limits for the public.
“Security has been tightened near the Z-Morh tunnel. Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place and the PM’s security team, comprising SPG personnel, has taken over the venue,” an official said.
Tight security is being maintained along the Srinagar-Sonamarg road passing through Ganderbal and area domination exercises are being conducted.
The deployment of security personnel has been increased in vulnerable areas and checkpoints have been set up at several places.
Checking and frisking of people and vehicles have been intensified while patrolling exercises are also taking place.
Police, paramilitary forces and the Army are part of the security apparatus for the inauguration. Extensive area domination exercises, searches and patrols are being conducted for the smooth conduct of the event.
Sharpshooters have been deployed at vulnerable points while aerial and technical surveillance, including through drones, is also being undertaken. The area is being monitored round-the-clock.
Authorities have closed the Srinagar-Leh national highway from Saturday to Monday “due to icy road conditions caused by inclement weather and to facilitate maintenance work by road maintenance agencies”.
However, it is widely perceived that the arterial road link between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has been shut for the PM’s visit.
Built at a cost of Rs 2,400 crore on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, the strategic 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel will be a major step towards making the Ladakh region accessible by road throughout the year. The work on the project began in May 2015 and was completed last year.
The soft opening of the tunnel was done in February 2024.
The tunnel is vital in terms of the defence needs of the country in the Ladakh region and also connecting the youngest Union Territory to the rest of the country.
Situated at an altitude of 8,650 feet, the Z-Morh tunnel is a two-lane road tunnel equipped with a parallel 7.5-metre-wide escape passage for emergencies.
The tunnel ensures seamless connectivity between Gagangir and Sonamarg, and will ease summer travel to Ladakh.
Along with the under-construction Zojila tunnel, the Z-Morh tunnel will ensure uninterrupted connectivity to Baltal and Ladakh regions for civilian and military traffic.
National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which oversees the project, has said that the “engineering marvel” is a game changer for the region.
“The Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir is a game-changer for the region, offering more than just a connection between Gagangir and Sonamarg. This engineering marvel is poised to unlock the full potential of the region’s trade and tourism sectors,” the NHIDCL said on X.
