Stage set for PM Modi to inaugurate Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg

Srinagar: All necessary arrangements have been finalised for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sonamarg, where he will inaugurate the strategic 6.4 km-long Z-Morh tunnel in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Monday, officials said on Sunday.

The prime minister is scheduled to arrive at Srinagar's technical airport around 11 a.m. on Monday. From there, he will be flown to the venue in Sonamarg via a special helicopter to preside over the inauguration ceremony of the Z-Morh tunnel, they said.

Among others, the inauguration ceremony will be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, besides other dignitaries.

The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering soon after the inauguration of the tunnel and will meet the tunnel construction workers and engineers who have worked in challenging conditions, acknowledging their contribution to this engineering feat.

This is the PM’s first visit since an elected government came to power in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October last year.

“All adequate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the event,” officials said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday personally reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Sonamarg on Monday.

A multi-tier security setup has also been put in place to ensure incident-free conduct of the event.

According to official sources, the Special Protection Group (SPG), tasked with the Prime Minister’s security, has taken over the control of the security at the venue of the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel at Shutkadi village in Sonamarg. The security in the entire Ganderbal district has been stepped up.

The SPG, in coordination with J&K Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), is working round the clock to ensure the smooth visit of Modi.

In Srinagar and en route to the Ganderbal district, security forces were seen randomly checking vehicles, including two-wheelers, to ensure no untoward incident took place during the prime minister's visit to Sonamarg.

The Z-Morh Tunnel project has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel, an egress tunnel, and approach roads.

It will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.

Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.

Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport (JKSRTC) has pressed into service about 250 buses to ferry people to the venue.

“Meticulous logistic planning has been executed to manage operation efficiently despite the cold winter condition,” an official said.

Meanwhile, the district administrations at Ganderbal have directed officers at all levels to be available on Sunday despite it being a holiday.

As per an order issued by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Ganderbal, all offices within the jurisdiction of District Ganderbal will remain open on January 12, 2025 (Sunday) to ensure better coordination and information sharing.

“All district, sectorial, tehsil, and block-level officers shall also remain available to provide any kind of information when required,” the order reads.