In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district on January 13, security has been significantly bolstered across the valley. The Special Protection Group (SPG) is overseeing the core security arrangements.
Jammu and Kashmir police, in collaboration with paramilitary forces, have stepped up vigil and intensified surveillance for smooth conduct of the event. Officials said heightened security will remain in place until January 13. The police and paramilitary have deployed additional personnel, surveillance with CCTV systems is being carried out and checkpoints have been set up at several places.
In Sonamarg, security has been beefed and police, paramilitary forces, and the Army are coordinating with each other. Area domination exercises, comprehensive searches and regular patrols are underway to safeguard the event and its participants.
The 6.5-kilometre Z-Morh tunnel, a strategic infrastructure project, will connect Gagangir in Ganderbal to Sonamarg, providing year-round connectivity to the area. Traditionally, the area remained isolated during winter due to heavy snowfall. The opening of the tunnel will enhance both civilian and military traffic to the region.
The inauguration will be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
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The Jammu and Kashmir government has directed fourteen administrative secretaries to remain at the civil secretariat in Srinagar from January 10 to 13 to oversee related functions.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 2,680 crore, the Z-Morh tunnel is a modern, two-lane road tunnel equipped with features such as an escape passage and ventilation. The project is anticipated to boost winter tourism in Sonamarg and significantly improve connectivity to Ladakh.
Meanwhile, traffic on the Kargil-Srinagar highway, including the Zoji La Pass, will be suspended from January 11 to 14 due to icy conditions and adverse weather. Maintenance work is scheduled during this period and traffic is expected to resume on the route from January 14, if weather permits. This suspension is also considered part of the security measures for the prime minister's visit.
