The News Craving
Srinagar:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5 km Z-Morh Tunnel on Monday, a project that would enhance connectivity and tourism in the region.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Gagangir-Sonamarg stretch in Ganderbal district, central Kashmir, with Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also taking part.
The Z-Morh Tunnel, constructed at a cost of over ₹2,700 crore, is a two-lane bi-directional mode of transport situated at an altitude of 8,650 feet above sea level. The tunnel, which includes a parallel 7.5-meter-wide escape passage for emergencies, ensures year-round connectivity between Srinagar and the Sonamarg tourist resort, a route that was previously hindered by landslides and avalanches.
Built by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the tunnel eliminates major logistical challenges, including avalanche-prone areas, and is equipped with advanced safety features.
The tunnel is expected to bolster regional infrastructure and boost Sonamarg as a tourist destination.