At the Z-Morh tunnel opening ceremony in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the union territory as India's "crown" and stated his wish for it to be "beautiful and prosperous." "Jammu and Kashmir is the nation's greatest jewel." "I wish for this crown to be wealthy and beautiful," he declared.
In addition, the prime minister honoured seven individuals—including laborers—who lost their lives in a terror assault in the region in October 2024. "First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to all of the brothers who risked their lives to labour under the most trying conditions for the advancement of the nation and Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, seven of our labour colleagues sacrificed their lives, but they overcame all obstacles to finish this mission. I would like to honour the seven coworkers who have died today," he stated. Additionally, he recalled his "long affiliation" with the Jammu and Kashmiri people.
The Z-Morh Tunnel, located at an altitude of 2,637 meters above sea level, is a 6.5-kilometer horseshoe-shaped marvel of engineering. The project, which faced several challenges due to the tough terrain and harsh weather conditions, has been completed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) initiative.
The tunnel connects Gagangir with Sonmarg, bypassing the dangerous avalanche-prone Zoji La pass. Equipped with modern safety features such as ventilation, fire-fighting systems, and emergency evacuation provisions, the tunnel is designed to ensure the safety and convenience of travelers.
The inauguration also saw the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, who emphasized the tunnel's role in fostering integration and progress in the Union Territory. "This is a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir. Projects like these pave the way for a brighter future for our youth and strengthen the region's connection with the rest of the country," he remarked.
The Z-Morh Tunnel is part of the broader infrastructure development efforts in the region, including the strategic Zojila Tunnel, which is under construction and expected to further enhance connectivity between Srinagar, Drass, Kargil, and Leh.
With the Z-Morh Tunnel now operational, Sonmarg is set to emerge as a year-round destination, offering unparalleled scenic beauty and opportunities for adventure tourism. The development is seen as a testament to the government’s commitment to uplifting the region and bridging gaps in connectivity.
