Sonamarg, January 13, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5-km-long Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring year-round access to the popular tourist destination. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha praised the initiative as a “game changer,” highlighting its role in boosting connectivity, economic opportunities, and transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a “real paradise.”
Addressing the event, LG Sinha lauded PM Modi for eradicating terrorism and fostering development in the region. “Under PM Modi’s leadership, peace, progress, and prosperity have become hallmarks of J&K. This tunnel, constructed at a cost of ₹2,700 crore, is truly a ‘Bhagya Rekha’ (lifeline) for the Union Territory,” he said.
LG Sinha also announced the completion of the Zojila tunnel, connecting Sonamarg with Ladakh, by 2026 and emphasized ongoing road projects worth ₹1.5 lakh crore under PM Modi’s leadership. He noted that 99% of J&K’s villages are now linked through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
“In 2024, PM Modi visited J&K thrice, inaugurating projects worth ₹41,000 crore. The dream of Kashmir-to-Kanyakumari connectivity is becoming a reality,” he said.
The LG spotlighted J&K’s booming tourism, citing 2.35 crore visitors in 2024 as a testament to the region’s newfound peace. Paying tribute to seven Z-Morh tunnel workers killed in a recent terrorist attack at Gagangeer, LG Sinha underscored the sacrifices behind such development milestones.
PM Modi meets tunnel construction workers
After the inauguration, PM Modi interacted with engineers and construction workers who played a pivotal role in building the Z-Morh tunnel. He commended their dedication and posed for photographs with them as they shared insights about the project.
The event was attended by Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Dr. Jitendra Singh, LG Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Z-Morh tunnel, hailed as an engineering marvel, ensures that harsh winters no longer hinder access between Srinagar and Sonamarg. It marks a significant step towards greater connectivity and regional transformation.
