Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Jan 11 : Stating that he loved the pictures and videos of Sonamarg shared by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he is eagerly waiting to visit Sonamarg in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal District to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel.
The Prime Minister, according to the officials, would arrive in Sonamarg at around 11:45 am where he will inaugurate the 6.5 kilometre strategic Z-Morh tunnel. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.
The Prime Minister, as per the news agency, will also meet the construction workers who worked meticulously in the harshest conditions. PM Modi will acknowledge their contribution to this engineering feat.
‘LOVED AERIAL PICTURES AND VIDEOS’
Meanwhile, reacting to the pictures and videos of Z-Morh tunnel and Sonamarg posted by the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on social media, today, PM Modi wrote on X: “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!,”
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited Sonamarg to review the preparations for PM Modi’s visit. “Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round, Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter & the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also reduce,” Omar wrote on X.
Z-MORH TUNNEL IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF ZOJILA PROJECT
Pertinently, the Z-Morh tunnel project constructed at the cost of over Rs 2,700 crore comprises the main tunnel, an egress tunnel and approach roads. Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.
It will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods
