Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5 km long Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Monday (January 13), marking a historic step to improve connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg. The two-lane road tunnel, built at an altitude of more than 8,650 feet, will ensure year-round accessibility to the tourist area of ​​Sonamarg, bypassing rugged and rugged terrains.
The Morh Tunnel, will not only connect roads but also create economic opportunities, improve security and tourism potential, cementing its place as a landmark project in Jammu and Kashmir.
IMPORTANCE BECAME DEFENSE, ECONOMY
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, who was present at the inaugural ceremony, said that the tunnel, which can handle 1000 vehicles per hour, is of strategic importance, especially for the military.
“The launch of the tunnel ensures the uninterrupted supply of military essentials, protecting people’s lives by reducing the risks associated with avalanches,” said the Minister of Transport.
The minister went on to say that the tunnel creates job opportunities for local residents.
Residents of Ganderbal hope that the corridor will boost the local economy and tackle unemployment.
“We are happy that now tourists can come to Sonamarg throughout the year. Earlier, the region remained closed for four months due to snow. Now, not only Sonamarg, but places like Drass and Kargil will remain connected. People in this area are poor, but this The tunnel will provide livelihood opportunities all year round now,” he added.
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The inauguration ceremony was hailed as a revolution in tourism. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the tunnel’s potential to transform Sonamarg into a premier winter sports destination, rivaling the popular ski resort of Gulmarg.
“The opening of the Z-Morh tunnel will enable the development of the Sonamarg resort in Ganderbal district as a winter sports destination, similar to the famous Gulmarg skiing resort”, said the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
He added that the project will open up new opportunities for tourism, economic growth and winter sports, which will bring international attention to the region.
Tourist guide Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh, who has worked in Sonamarg for years, expressed relief that the region will now have a year-round tourist season.
“This tunnel will bring tourists all year round, provide better services and more income opportunities for the local people, adding that previously the tourist season was limited to only six months in the region due to road closures caused by snow.
The project, completed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore, also has a parallel escape tunnel of 7.5 meters wide for enhanced safety. It significantly reduces travel time between Srinagar and Sonamarg, allowing vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 70 km/h, compared to the previous 30 km/h on winding mountain roads.