Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg falling in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. After the special aircraft carrying the PM landed at the technical area of Srinagar international airport, the PM took an Air Force helicopter for Neelgrad in the Sonamarg area.  The PM landed at the Neelgrad helipad and drove in a cavalcade to the Gagangir area, where he inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel that provides all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg making it a round-the-year tourist destination.

Prime Minister Modi met with construction workers to recognize their dedication to building the tunnel under extreme conditions.  Prominent leaders like Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Dr Jitendra Singh, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the inauguration ceremony. The Z-Morh tunnel is expected to bring major benefits to the region. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah explained it will provide year-round connectivity to Sonamarg, which was previously accessible only in summer.

The tunnel will boost tourism and help residents in winter. He also shared plans to develop Sonamarg as a winter sports destination, similar to Gulmarg. The tunnel will improve travel between Srinagar and Leh, and once the Zojila tunnel is completed, even greater connectivity is expected. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also spoke at the event, highlighting the developmental progress in Jammu and Kashmir and the Z-Morh tunnel’s role as a symbol of modernization and growth in the region. This is PM Modi’s first visit to the union territory after an elected government took office here.
Sonamarg tunnel will bypass the stretch of the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway that is prone to avalanches and heavy snowfall during the winter months. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) oversaw the Z-Morh tunnel constructed by APCO Infratech Private Limited for Rs 2,700 crore. The construction of the tunnel was started in 2018.