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Gateway to progress: Glimpses of Z-Morh tunnel inaugurated by PM Modi in Jammu and Kashmir

Updated: January 13, 2025 20:40 IST
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.4 km-long Z-Morh tunnel in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. Bu using the tunnel, tourists will now be able to access the Sonamarg tourist resort throughout the year.
    Image Source : pti

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.4 km-long Z-Morh tunnel in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. Bu using the tunnel, tourists will now be able to access the Sonamarg tourist resort throughout the year.

  • PM Modi was accompanied for the inauguration ceremony by Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The tunnel has two-lane bi-directional road between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district in central Kashmir. It has been built at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore and is equipped with a parallel 7.5-metre-wide escape passage for emergencies.
    Image Source : pti

    PM Modi was accompanied for the inauguration ceremony by Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The tunnel has two-lane bi-directional road between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district in central Kashmir. It has been built at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore and is equipped with a parallel 7.5-metre-wide escape passage for emergencies.

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  • During the inauguration, PM Modi reviewed the tunnel in an open-roof vehicle. During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the seven workers who lost their lives during the construction of the tunnel.
    Image Source : pti

    During the inauguration, PM Modi reviewed the tunnel in an open-roof vehicle. During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the seven workers who lost their lives during the construction of the tunnel.

  • Image Source : pti

    The Prime Minister was welcomed by UT CM Omar Abdullah. Abdullah praised PM Modi by saying, "You said that you are working on eliminating- Dil ki Doori (difference of hearts) and Delhi ki Doori (distance from Delhi) and this is really proved by your work."

  • Image Source : pti

    PM Modi understood the details of the tunnel through a map. The tunnel is situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level and will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes.

  • Image Source : pti

    He also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to inaugurate the Sonamarg Tunnel on a day filled with festivals across India. He highlighted the ongoing celebrations of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the excitement of Lohri in Punjab, and the observances of Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal.

  • Image Source : pti

    The work on the Z-Morh tunnel began in May 2015. The foundation stone for the project was laid in October 2012 by CP Joshi, then Minister for Surface Transport during the UPA II government. It has reduced travel time between Srinagar and Sonamarg allowing vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour compared to the earlier 30 kilometres per hour on the winding roads. The tunnel has a capacity of handling 1000 vehicles per hour.

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