Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the strategic 6.4 km-long Z-Morh tunnel also called Sonamarg tunnel in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district.
Modi arrived at Sonamarg from Srinagar airport in a special helicopter to inaugurate the tunnel. He was accompanied by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari; Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
After inaugurating the tunnel, PM took a tour of the tunnel alongwith union ministers, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
He also met the construction workers and engineers of the tunnel.
The PM was also briefed about the various aspects of the tunnel by a senior officer.
Modi thanked the labourers who have worked hard and also put their lives at stake for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and India.
“Despite the challenges, our resolve did not waver,” Modi said while lauding the labourers for their resolve and commitment and for tackling all the obstacles to complete the work.
The PM also condoled the demise of seven construction workers who were killed near the tunnel site in a terror attack in October last year.
The Z-Morh Tunnel project, along the Srinagar- Leh highway has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. The Z-Morh tunnel is a vital part of the Zojila tunnel project, designed to provide round the year road connectivity between Ladakh and Srinagar.
The Z- Morh tunnel comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel, an egress tunnel and approach roads.
It will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.
Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.
Addressing the public meeting after the inauguration, Modi said the tunnel fulfills a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, this tunnel will significantly ease the lives of people in Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh.
He said the tunnel will reduce the difficulties faced during avalanches, heavy snowfall and landslides, which often led to road closures.
The PM emphasized that the tunnel will improve access to major hospitals and ensure the availability of essential supplies, thereby reducing the challenges faced by the residents.
He remarked that the tunnel will maintain connectivity to Sonamarg during the winter season and boost tourism in the entire region.
This was PM’s first visit since an elected government came to power in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October last year.
The PM said J&K is the "crown of India" and he wants to make it even more beautiful and prosperous.
He noted the continuous support from the youth, elders, and children of the region in this endeavor.
The PM emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are working diligently to turn their dreams into reality, contributing to the progress of the region and the nation.
“Jammu and Kashmir is writing a new chapter in the history of development, leaving behind the difficult days of the past,” he said
PM Modi highlighted J&K's remarkable journey of development, emphasizing the shift from difficult times to a new era of growth and peace.
“Jammu and Kashmir of the 21st century is scripting a new chapter of development and the region is regaining its identity as ‘Paradise on Earth,’ leaving behind the difficult days of the past,” he said.
The PM said people now enjoy ice cream at Lal Chowk even at night, and the area remains lively.
He praised the local artists for transforming Polo View Market into a new habitat center, with musicians, artists, and singers frequently performing there.
Modi observed that people in Srinagar now comfortably watch movies with their families in cinema halls and shop with ease. He emphasized that such significant changes cannot be achieved by the government alone and credited the people of Jammu and Kashmir for strengthening democracy and securing their future.
PM Modi underscored the government’s focus on improving connectivity and infrastructure, citing the completion of the Z-Morh Tunnel as a key milestone.
“Our Jammu and Kashmir is now becoming the hub of tunnels, bridges, and roads. The world is amazed at engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that over Rs 42,000 crore worth of road connectivity projects are underway in Jammu and Kashmir, including four National Highway projects and two ring roads.
The Prime Minister remarked that more than 14 tunnels like Sonamarg are being constructed, making Jammu and Kashmir one of the most connected regions in the country.
The Prime Minister said there has been a positive impact of peace and developments on the tourism sector.
“In 2024, over 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, benefiting everyone from hotel owners and homestay operators to taxi drivers and shopkeepers,” he said.
He also highlighted the resurgence of cultural and sports events, such as international marathons, winter games in Gulmarg, and the return of cricket leagues to Kashmir, as symbols of the region’s revival.
PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in the journey of progress.
“From IITs and AIIMS to new industries, from sports infrastructure to skill development centers, opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are rapidly expanding,” he said. “We are working with the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’”
The Prime Minister promised that he would walk step by step with people, removing every obstacle to their dreams.
Emphasising the extensive infrastructure development from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister remarked that Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, high bridges, and ropeways, with some of the world's highest tunnels and highest rail-road bridges being constructed here.