Ganderbal, Jan 07:- Marking a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s developmental journey, the Z-Morh Tunnel, a significant infrastructure project aimed at ensuring year-round connectivity to the tourist hub of Sonamarg, is likely to be inaugurated on January 26. According to reliable sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the much-anticipated tunnel later this month.
Initiated in 2020, the 6.5-kilometer-long Z-Morh Tunnel was built at an estimated cost of ₹2,400 crore to make Sonamarg accessible throughout the year. Completed last year, the project involved over 1,500 engineers and workers, who worked tirelessly to meet the deadline.
The tunnel is expected to significantly boost tourism by allowing visitors to experience Sonamarg’s picturesque snowy landscapes even during harsh winters when heavy snowfall often blocks access. It also holds immense importance for locals, as it ensures seamless connectivity to Sonamarg, a popular destination that previously remained inaccessible during the winter months.
Equipped with advanced features such as a ventilation system for vehicle emissions, adequate lighting, drainage facilities, and pedestrian pathways, the tunnel ensures a safe and efficient travel experience. It also shortens the travel time from Gagangeer to Sonamarg to just 9 minutes, compared to the earlier 30-minute drive.
The Srinagar-Sonamarg road often faced closures at Hung due to avalanches, usually starting in November or December, forcing tourists to return from Gagangeer without fully exploring Sonamarg. The Z-Morh Tunnel now addresses this long-standing issue, enabling year-round access.
On Tuesday, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir, and other senior officials visited Sonamarg, reportedly to review preparations for the tunnel’s inauguration. Although the official agenda of the visit was not disclosed, it has heightened anticipation of the tunnel’s imminent opening.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, along with the SDM Kangan and other officials, conducted an inspection of the Z-Morh Tunnel, further fueling speculation about the event.