Preparations are in full swing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sonamarg on Monday, where he will inaugurate the strategically significant 6.4 km-long Z-Morh Tunnel in Ganderbal district.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive at Srinagar’s technical airport at 11 a.m. and will be flown to Sonamarg by a special helicopter for the event. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other dignitaries.
This visit is PM Modi’s first to Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of an elected government in the Union Territory in October last year. Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister will address a public gathering and interact with the engineers and workers who contributed to the project, commending their efforts in overcoming challenging conditions.
A multi-tier security setup has been deployed, with the Special Protection Group (SPG) taking charge at the event venue in Shutkadi village, Sonamarg. Security in Ganderbal district and along the Srinagar-Sonamarg route has been intensified, with the J&K Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) conducting random vehicle checks.
Meanwhile, logistical arrangements have been finalized despite the harsh winter conditions. The Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) has deployed 250 buses to transport attendees to the venue.
Constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore, the Z-Morh Tunnel is a crucial infrastructure project. It ensures all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, bypassing landslide-prone routes and providing safer access to the strategically important Ladakh region. Situated at an altitude of 8,650 feet, the tunnel includes a main tunnel, an egress tunnel, and approach roads.
This development is expected to boost tourism by making Sonamarg a year-round destination, promoting winter sports, and enhancing local livelihoods.
The Ganderbal district administration has issued orders for all offices to remain open on Sunday to ensure smooth coordination during the event. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah personally reviewed the preparations on Saturday.
The inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel is being hailed as a landmark achievement in improving infrastructure and connectivity in the region.(KNS)
