Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Sonamarg. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were also present at the inauguration ceremony.
The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. PM Modi also interacted with the construction workers who worked meticulously in the harshest conditions, acknowledging their contribution to this engineering feat.
Abdullah visited the tunnel on Saturday to review preparations for the ceremony. "Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round. Sonmarg 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," the J&K Cm said in his X post.
Responding to Abdullah's tweet, the Prime Minister had stated, "I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, 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!"
PM Modi's Reply To Omar Abdullah's Tweet:
Strategic Importance of Z-Morh Tunnel:
The Z-Morh tunnel will be a two-lane bi-directional road tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg.
Z-Morh tunnel, also known as Sonamarh Tunnel, will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg. It will bypass
The project will ensure safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes.
The tunnel will boost defense logistics, drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across J&K and Ladakh.
Tourism to get a major boost by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination 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 from 49 km to 43 km and boost vehicle speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh," the Prime Minister's office said in a press release.
Glimpse Of The Z-Morh Tunnel:
Construction Of The Tunnel:
The project was envisaged to be implemented by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), however, it was transferred to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for implementation.
In August 2019 re-tendering took place and the construction contract was awarded to APCO Infratech, and in December 2019, the Project Authority issued a Letter of Award (LOA) for the project. Work by new contractor APCO Infratech restarted in July 2020.
The tunnel was part of the larger project of building 31 tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This project also includes the Zojila Tunnel.
