Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the promises made to the people of Jammu & Kashmir as he inaugurated the strategic Z-Morh Tunnel, a 6.4-km marvel in Sonamarg. The tunnel is set to significantly enhance defence connectivity and promote tourism by ensuring an all-weather link between Sonamarg and Srinagar.
During the event, Prime Minister Modi addressed a public rally where he reiterated his vision for the development of Jammu & Kashmir. His comments followed a moment of acknowledgment from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who praised Modi’s initiatives and reminded him of the promise to restore the region's statehood.
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Z-Morh Tunnel Inaugurated: A Game-Changer for Jammu & Kashmir
At an altitude of 8,500 feet, the Z-Morh Tunnel in Ganderbal district, just 10 km from Sonamarg, is a marvel of modern engineering. Named after the Z-shaped mountain pass it traverses, this 6.4-km tunnel will provide all-year connectivity between Sonamarg and Srinagar. Beyond bolstering strategic defence access, it promises to boost tourism and the regional economy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ₹2,700 crore project, which features a main tunnel, a parallel escape route, and a state-of-the-art traffic management system. Highlighting its impact, Modi said, “This tunnel will transform lives in Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh, ending isolation caused by avalanches and ensuring access to essentials and healthcare.”
Historic Infrastructure Development
The Z-Morh Tunnel complements the Zoji La Tunnel, 14.15 km long and located 18 km away. Together, these tunnels will make the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Leh highway an all-weather route, a strategic boon for both defence and commerce. Modi emphasized, “J&K is becoming a state of world-class infrastructure, with transformative projects like the Chenab Bridge, the Katra-Delhi Expressway, and 14 other tunnels under construction.”
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari added, “Good roads lead to happiness and prosperity. With these projects, J&K will emerge as an industrial and tourism hub, creating jobs and reducing poverty.”
A Vision of Growth and Unity
Modi's visit to J&K, his first since last year’s assembly elections, underscored the government’s focus on development. He reiterated his promise to restore J&K’s statehood, emphasizing the region’s transformation post-Article 370 abrogation in 2019.
“J&K is the crown of India, and I want it to be beautiful and prosperous. There is peace, and tourism is thriving. Kashmir is writing a new saga of development,” Modi said, thanking locals for their cooperation.
Local Leaders Echo Optimism
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the Prime Minister’s commitment and recalled promises of reducing “dil ki doori” (distance between hearts) and “Dilli se doori” (distance from Delhi). Abdullah expressed hope for swift restoration of statehood, aligning with the aspirations of the people.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the tunnel as a “game-changer” for the local economy and winter tourism, calling it a testament to Modi’s vision for J&K’s progress.
Looking Ahead
With ₹42,000 crore worth of road connectivity projects underway, J&K is rapidly emerging as a hub of infrastructure excellence. The Z-Morh Tunnel stands as a symbol of India’s determination to bridge distances—literal and figurative—and create opportunities for its people.
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