Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Monday to inaugurate the strategically important Sonamarg Tunnel in Ganderbal district.
As per Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the 6.5-kilometre-long tunnel, also known as the Z-Morh tunnel, will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, enabling the development of Sonamarg resort as a winter sports destination.
PM Modi will reach the Sonamarg Tunnel at 11.45 am, and its inauguration will follow. He will be accompanied by Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Jammu and Kashmir’s Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, among other leaders.
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PM Modi will also address a rally on the occasion, followed by a meeting with workers involved in the tunnel’s construction.
Ahead of PM Modi’s visit, the security forces on Sunday intensified sanitisation efforts and area domination exercises in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces and the Army are part of the security apparatus for Monday’s inauguration. Extensive area domination exercises, searches and patrols are being conducted for the smooth conduct of the event, the officials said.
TUNNEL TO HELP SONMARG’S DEVELOPMENT: OMAR ABDULLAH
Speaking about the significance of the Sonmarg Tunnel, Omar Abdullah said it will enable the development of Sonamarg resort in Ganderbal district as a winter sports destination, similar to the famous Gulmarg skiing resort town.
“Tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel. This will allow the development of Sonamarg as a winter sports destination,” Abdullah told reporters.
“Over the next five years, we will make full efforts to develop Sonamarg as a winter sports destination, just like we have developed Gulmarg,” Abdullah said.
“If more tourists come here, it will mean more earnings for the local people, whether they are ski guides, ski instructors, sledge operators, ATV and snowmobile operators, or small businesses like restaurants and dhabas,” he said.
Built at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore, the Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km length, an egress tunnel and approach roads.
Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, the Sonamarg Tunnel will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.
EAGERLY WAITING TO MY SONMARG VISIT: PM MODI
Prior to his visit to Sonmarg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the picturesque location of the tunnel, saying the he is looking forward to his Jammu and Kashmir visit.
Reacting to the visuals of the tunnel, shared by Omar Abdullah on X, PM Modi wrote, “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!”
Situated between the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, the Sonmarg Tunnel is expected to unlock the full potential of the region’s trade and tourism sectors.
Along with the Zojila Tunnel, set for completion by 2028, the Sonmarg Tunnel will help in ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. This enhanced connectivity will boost defence logistics, drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, a government statement said.
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