In a boost for tourism, PM Modi inaugurates Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu/IBNS: In a major boost for tourism, prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel at Sonmarg in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Along with Modi, Jammu and Kashmir governor Manoj Sinha, chief minister Omar Abdullah and union transport minister Nitin Gadkari were also present.
The 6.4-km-long bi-directional tunnel will connect Sonmarg with the Kangan town in Ganderbal.
It will also connect Kashmir and Ladakh all throughout the year.
#WATCH | Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir: After inaugurating the Z-Morh tunnel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects the tunnel.
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025
CM Omar Abdullah, LG Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari are also present.
(Source: DD/ANI) #KashmirOnTheRise pic.twitter.com/FbOP7COfzm
The tunnel is constructed at the site of a Z-shaped road stretch which used to get shut for most of the time in winter.
Along with the tunnel, an escape tunnel has been made to avail during emergencies.
The construction of the tunnel was headed by three organisations at three different times.
The work began in 2012 under Border Roads Organisation, it was then handed over to Tunnelway Ltd. and finally to National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The cost of the tunnel has remained Rs. 2,400 crore.