Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday officially opened the 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district, Central Kashmir, which will ensure that Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination, remains accessible throughout the year. The strategic tunnel is not only a vital infrastructure project for civilians but also plays a significant role in defense logistics.

Arriving at Srinagar airport around 10:45 am, PM Modi proceeded to Sonamarg for the inauguration. He was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Union Minister for Transport, Nitin Gadkari arrived in Srinagar on Sunday to participate in the event.

The two-lane tunnel, which connects Gagangir and Sonamarg, has been built at a cost of over ₹2,700 crore. It includes a 7.5-meter-wide emergency escape passage for safety. Positioned at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, the Z-Morh tunnel significantly enhances connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, providing a reliable route to Leh and bypassing areas prone to landslides and avalanches.

During his visit, PM Modi, who had not visited Jammu and Kashmir since the assembly elections in September-October 2024, took time to meet the workers involved in the project, acknowledging their hard work and commitment under difficult conditions.

Construction of the Z-Morh tunnel began in May 2015, and it was completed in 2024. After a soft launch in February 2024, the tunnel is now fully operational. Together with the ongoing Zojila tunnel project, it will ensure year-round, uninterrupted connectivity to Baltal and Ladakh, benefiting both civilian and military traffic.

The tunnel features cutting-edge technologies for real-time monitoring, ensuring smooth travel and setting a new standard for regional infrastructure. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) described the Z-Morh tunnel as a breakthrough for the region, unlocking vast potential for trade and tourism and improving accessibility to remote areas.