Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday. The event was attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha.
Following the inauguration, PM Modi inspected the tunnel and received detailed information about its route map and construction process. The prime minister interacted with officials and construction workers, acknowledging their significant contribution to this engineering achievement, especially in such harsh conditions.
The Sonamarg Tunnel, approximately 12 km in length, has been built at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It includes the 6.4 km Sonamarg main tunnel, an egress tunnel, and approach roads. Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, the tunnel will improve all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, providing a safer and uninterrupted route to Leh, bypassing areas prone to landslides and avalanches. This will also benefit the strategically critical Ladakh region.
The newly inaugurated tunnel is expected to boost tourism by turning Sonamarg into a year-round destination, particularly enhancing winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.
When combined with the Zojila Tunnel, which is expected to be completed by 2028, the Z-Morh Tunnel will reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and increase vehicle speed from 30 km/h to 70 km/h. This will ensure seamless NH-1 connectivity between the Srinagar Valley and Ladakh, driving economic growth and fostering socio-cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
On January 11, CM Abdullah visited Sonamarg to review preparations for PM Modi’s visit. On X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his thoughts on the significance of the Z-Morh Tunnel.
“The inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel will open Sonamarg to tourism year-round. It will now be developed as a prominent ski resort. The local population will no longer need to leave during winter, and the travel time from Srinagar to Kargil/Leh will also be reduced.”
