Srinagar/Sonamarg, 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, officials said.
PM Modi arrived Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district from the Srinagar technical airport in a special helicopter to inaugurate the tunnel, they said
The Prime Minister also took a tour of the tunnel after its inauguration. HE also met the construction workers and engineers of the tunnel and congratulated them. The PM was also briefed about the various aspects of the tunnel by the senior officer.
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.
The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering soon after the inauguration of the tunnel. A large number of people, undeterred by the freezing temperatures gathered in Sonamarg to listen to the Prime Minister's address.
This is PM’s first visit since an elected government came to power in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October last year.
UNI MJR/QAB KK