The much-awaited Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was inaugurated on Monday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This has been built at a cost of over ₹2,700 crore and totaling 6.5-kilometer long; it aims at making a permanent all-year-round Sonamarg tourist resort accessible by crossing the difficult terrains vulnerable to landslides and avalanches.
The event is a stages in achieving the government thrust to improve the infrastructure of the Union Territory. It has an extra emergency escape passage with a width of 7.5 meters and Is at more than 8,650 feet over the sea level.
Acknowledgement of the Victims and Their MVC Workers
In a rally after the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi honored the seven workers who were killed by terrorists at the Z-Morh tunnel site in October 2037. The construction of the project was completed with great difficulty appreciating the dangers faced by the workers as the Prime Minister stated, “I want to proudly thank all the workers who worked through this project, putting their lives in danger in difficult conditions. Seven other colleagues passed on while on this journey, I also honor their memories.
Regarding the developments in the Kashmir valley he has echoed a level of optimism and asserts that the stunning region of valley is reclaiming its lost glory by alluding to the title “Dharti Ka Swarg” meaning Heaven on Earth. However, our Kashmir is coming back into its identify. Today, people are coming there to have ice cream even at night as have revived the cultural activities beautifully,” he said.
Infrastructure Industrial and Development in J&k
With focus on larger development perspective, PM Modi expounded upon the massive infrastructure projects in the planning in Jammu and Kashmir. Look at Jammu Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh you get idea how many roads tunnels and bridges are under construction. More than ₹42,000 crore worth of connectivity development projects are under implementation here. This comprises of over 14 tunnels out of which the Sonamarg tunnel is very essential,” said the Minister.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister spoke of his vision to link the Kashmir Valley by rail link, and highlighted the infrastructure tune of the region, which has undertaken the world’s tallest tunnel and tallest railroad bridge. ”This is the new Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, pointing to how such infrastructural projects have refashioned the identities of the region’s connectivity and economy.
Tourism increase and Economic prospect of the Country
The authorities believe that Z-Morh tunnel will add a lot of value to the growth of Sonamarg and other nearby tourist destinations. Modi said that a new economic opportunity would be open for the SHO and local economy, since now Sonamarg would remain open in winters also. “This tunnel will provide new energies to the tourism and bring the carrot to the people of Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh,” he said.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister mentioned that the Jammu and Kashmir had set new record in Tourism in 2024 by attracting over two crore tourists and emerge again as major tourist attractions.
Culture aspect
The Prime Minister also discussed how culturally alive the country was and used the occasion of the tunnel’s launch to connect it to Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Every nook and corner of the country is in a festive mood today,” he said, wishing everyone who is observing these festival a Happy one.
Referring the lig to his own experiences and tenure in Jammu and Kashmir as a worker of BJP, Modi said. I have spent a lot of time in such areas as Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Baramulla. He said: ‘The snow was extra but the friendly inn vest of the people here made the cold seem so normal’ Astarke boasted about being part and parcel of the region.
Commitment to Promises
Coming back to the promises made during the polls, Modi pledged, “You can be sure, this is Modi.” If he gives his word, he will not go back on it. This tunnel begun in 2015 under our government, has been completed by us. My mantra is clear: For what we start, the same will we inaugurate.”
The Prime Minister’s words were followed by applause as he said that there will be no stoppage of the development and connectivity process, including hospitals, colleges and rail links.
Tour of the Tunnel
After the inauguration, the Prime Minister also got an overview of the tunnel construction and also talked with the officials of the specific project and the workers who are working at the tunnel construction site. Also presiding at the occasion were Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
During his speech, the Prime mentioned the recent marathon being run by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Modi said, “The video clip of the marathon was circulated on popular social networks, and I congratulated him directly.” This certainly is true and it may be said that this new symbol represents the new era of Jammu and Kashmir.
Connection and Safety Advancements
A tunnel named Z-Morh Tunnel connecting Gagangir to Sonamarg keeps the travel through the region fully operational throughout the year. This facilitates improvements of the strategic location and design through avoiding routes that are frequently covered by landslides and other forms of harsh weather.
This critical infrastructure project is in tune with the government’s overall plan of peaceful reconstruction and rehabilitation of Jammu and Kashmir making it an easier place to do business.
A New Sunrise to Jammu and Kashmir
At the end of his visit, PM Modi also gave a positive and optimistic gesture to develop the region. This is not just a tunnel; it is a lifeline that was the community of Jammu and Kashmir dreamed of. It symbolises our pledge towards construction of a more integrated India – an India that is more unified.
The Z-Morh tunnel is another example of the government’s commitment to creating more tunnels and its desire to improve economic conditions for every state in the nation. By this inauguration, Jammu and Kashmir has brought itself another step closer to being one of the best connected and the most prosperous state in India.
