"Eagerly Awaiting," Says PM Modi Ahead of Game-Changing Z-Morh Tunnel Inauguration in J&K on January 13
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the strategic 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir on January 13. This tunnel will play a significant role in ensuring year-round road access to the Ladakh region. In a post on social media platform X on Saturday, Modi expressed his excitement about the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district. He also praised the photographs and aerial images of the tunnel shared by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Abdullah visited the Z-Morh tunnel on Saturday to review the preparations for the inauguration by the Prime Minister.
He emphasized that the tunnel's opening would make Sonmarg a year-round tourist destination and boost its development as a prominent ski resort. “Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM Narendra Modi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will make Sonmarg accessible to tourism throughout the year. It will now be developed into a great ski resort. The local population will no longer need to leave during the winter, and the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also be reduced,” Abdullah wrote in his post. He also shared photographs of the tunnel and aerial views of the region. In response, Modi wrote: “I am eagerly looking forward to my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You’ve correctly highlighted the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, I loved the aerial photos and videos!”
The Z-Morh tunnel, built at a cost of ₹2,400 crore along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, will be a key development for improving accessibility to Ladakh year-round. Located at an altitude of 8,650 feet, the Z-Morh tunnel is a two-lane road tunnel with a parallel 7.5-meter-wide escape passage for emergencies. Work on the project began in May 2015, and it was completed last year. The soft opening of the tunnel took place in February 2024. The tunnel holds strategic importance for the defense needs in the Ladakh region and is crucial for connecting the youngest union territory to the rest of the country, as per official reports.
