Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel at Sonamarg on Monday, calling it a significant step in improving road connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
He was joined by Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Dr Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other officials.
#WATCH | Jammu & Kashmir: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg today.
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025
CM Omar Abdullah and LG Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari are also present.
(Source: DD/ANI)#KashmirOnTheRise pic.twitter.com/GF7rwZaVn1
The 6.5km-long tunnel will make Sonamarg accessible throughout the year, solving the problem of road closures during harsh winters.
It will also make travel to Leh smoother, benefiting both tourism and the region’s economy.
The inauguration took place at the tunnel’s East Portal, after which the Prime Minister toured the tunnel with officials.
He also spent time with the engineers and workers who built the tunnel, listening to their experiences and taking photos with them.
He praised their hard work and dedication in completing the project despite delays.
The tunnel project began in 2015 but was delayed after the original contractor faced financial problems.
The work resumed in 2019 under a new contractor, and the tunnel has now been completed. Initially planned during the UPA government, the foundation stone was laid in 2012 by then-Transport Minister C.P. Joshi.
This tunnel is expected to improve connectivity in the region, providing reliable access to Sonamarg all year round and supporting development in Jammu and Kashmir.
