Sonamarg/ Ganderbal, Jan 13 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the strategically important 6.4 km-long Z-Morh also called Sonamarg tunnel in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district.
Modi arrived at Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district from the Srinagar technical airport in a special helicopter to inaugurate the tunnel.
The Prime Minister also took a tour of the tunnel after its inauguration.
He also met the construction workers and engineers of the tunnel.
The PM was also briefed about the various aspects of the tunnel by a senior officer.
Modi thanked the labourers who have worked hard and also put their lives at stake for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and India.
“Despite the challenges, our resolve did not waver,” Modi said while lauding the labourers for their resolve and commitment and for tackling all the obstacles to complete the work.
The Prime also condoled the demise of seven construction works who were killed near the tunnel site in a terror attack in October last year.
During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari; Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Z-Morh Tunnel project, along the Srinagar- Leh highway has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. The Z-Morh tunnel is a vital part of the Zojila tunnel project, designed to provide round the year road connectivity between Ladakh and Srinagar.
The Z- Morh tunnel 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 enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.
After the inauguration, the Prime Minister addressed a public gathering.
The Prime Minister said Sonamarg Tunnel fulfills a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, this tunnel will significantly ease the lives of people in Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh.
He remarked that the tunnel will reduce the difficulties faced during avalanches, heavy snowfall and landslides, which often led to road closures.
The PM emphasized that the tunnel will improve access to major hospitals and ensure the availability of essential supplies, thereby reducing the challenges faced by the residents.
He remarked that the tunnel will maintain connectivity to Sonamarg during the winter season and boost tourism in the entire region.
This was PM’s first visit since an elected government came to power in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October last year.
UNI QAB/MJR BM