"Omar Abdullah praises the transformative impact of the Z-Morh tunnel, set to boost tourism and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, ahead of PM Modi’s visit."
January 12, 2025: Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed excitement about visiting the Sonamarg area of Jammu and Kashmir to inaugurate the much-anticipated Z-Morh tunnel on Monday. The 6.5-km long tunnel promises all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, bypassing a hazardous stretch of road prone to avalanches and heavy snowfall.
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Responding to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s comments and visuals shared on X, PM Modi wrote, “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly highlight the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!"
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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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2025
Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos! https://t.co/JCBT8Ei175
Omar Abdullah, who visited the Gagangir area on Saturday to oversee preparations for the Prime Minister’s arrival, highlighted the tunnel's potential to transform the region. “The Z-Morh tunnel will enable year-round tourism in Sonamarg, positioning it as a premier skiing and winter sports destination. It will also reduce travel time to Kargil and Leh, benefiting the local economy,” Abdullah stated.
More photos from the air of the area around the tunnel. pic.twitter.com/NdAToNGCW3
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 11, 2025
The Z-Morh tunnel, named after the zig-zag mountain stretch it replaces, will significantly reduce travel times, cutting down what used to take hours to just 15 minutes. Beyond enhancing connectivity, the project is expected to generate employment for local youth and boost tourism to the Ladakh region and the Amarnath Yatra.
The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering in Sonamarg as part of the inauguration ceremony. An extensive security blanket involving the SPG, security forces, and the army has been deployed across a 20-km radius around the event venues.
Accompanied by key officials, Chief Minister Abdullah conducted an in-depth review of the arrangements and inspected the tunnel. He praised the engineers and workers for their dedication in completing the strategic infrastructure. "This project is a milestone for improving connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, while unlocking vast tourism and economic potential in the region," an official statement noted.
The Z-Morh tunnel stands as a testament to India’s infrastructure advancements, ensuring safer, faster, and more reliable connectivity in one of the country's most challenging terrains.
Tags:
Z-Morh Tunnel inauguration, PM Modi Sonamarg visit, Jammu and Kashmir tourism, all-weather connectivity, Srinagar-Leh highway development, infrastructure in J&K, winter sports in Sonamarg.
