What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
SRINAGAR/SONAMARG: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled the much-awaited Z-Morh Tunnel in the scenic Sonamarg region of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Prime Minister personally toured the tunnel and held discussions with the officials overseeing the project. He also interacted with the dedicated construction workers who braved extreme conditions to bring the ambitious project to life.
Accompanying him during the event were J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.
The Z-Morh Tunnel, spanning 6.5 kilometres, features a two-way passage and an additional escape route for emergencies. Along with a 5-kilometer access road, this state-of-the-art infrastructure promises year-round connectivity to the popular tourist destination Sonamarg, which had been inaccessible during harsh winters due to avalanche-prone routes. The project, developed by Apco Infratech Pvt. Ltd., has been completed at a cost of ₹2,700 crore.
Despite freezing temperatures, thousands of enthusiastic individuals gathered in Sonamarg to witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public address, commemorating the inauguration of the long-awaited Z-Morh Tunnel. Starting early in the morning, hundreds of SRTC buses and private vehicles ferried attendees to the venue, braving the biting cold. The site, located near Gagangeer in Sonamarg, was beautifully decorated with large hoardings, vibrant banners, and welcoming posters, reflecting the excitement and warmth of the occasion.
Addressing a large public gathering in Sonamarg after the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that his government is committed to fulfilling its promises.
Without directly addressing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s call for the restoration of statehood, Modi said, “You must trust that Modi delivers on his promises. There is a right time for everything, and the right things will happen at the right time.”
Calling Jammu and Kashmir the “crown jewel of India,” the Prime Minister expressed his vision for the region’s prosperity. “The current atmosphere of peace has had a profound impact on tourism, and Kashmir is scripting a new chapter of development,” he said.
The Prime Minister also paid homage to the seven individuals who lost their lives in a terrorist attack near the Z-Morh Tunnel in October last year.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, while speaking at the event, highlighted the remarkable progress being made under PM Modi’s leadership. He revealed that 33 tunnels are currently under construction in Jammu and Kashmir, with 15 already completed. Projects like the Srinagar Ring Road and several four-lane highways are set to be operational by the year’s end, significantly boosting connectivity and infrastructure in the region.
Gadkari emphasized that good roads lead to a stronger nation, adding that PM Modi’s focus on infrastructure is a step toward realizing the vision of a “Developed India.” He also shared that the upcoming Zojila Tunnel, initially estimated at ₹12,000 crores, is now being built at a reduced cost of ₹6,800 crores, saving ₹5,000 crores while ensuring year-round travel on the Srinagar-Leh highway.
The inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to bolster connectivity, tourism, and economic development in Jammu and Kashmir, providing a new lifeline to the region’s residents and visitors alike.
