Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.4 km long Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. This tunnel will make Sonamarg tourist destination accessible throughout the year. Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also attended the inauguration ceremony. The two-lane bi-directional road tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district in central Kashmir has been built at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It is equipped with parallel 7.5 meter wide escape routes for emergencies. Located at an altitude of more than 8,650 feet above sea level, the tunnel will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing landslides and avalanche routes.
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strategically important
The tunnel will reduce travel time between Gangangir and Sonamarg. Its three-lane approach road design will enable slow and fast vehicles to move smoothly on separate routes, thereby avoiding traffic jams. This tunnel is also important from the point of view of strategic security as it ensures uninterrupted access for the security forces.
it will be easy to go to leh
The road between Srinagar and Leh is often disrupted due to bad weather. Now the construction of Z-Morh Tunnel (6.4 km) and the upcoming Zojila Tunnel (13.1 km) will bypass avalanche prone areas and ensure safe and smooth travel in all seasons. With the completion of the Jala Tunnel, the maximum speed of vehicles on this route will increase from 30 to 70 km/hour. Local security arrangements will also be tight.
Tourism will increase
The beauty of Sonamarg during winter season is worth seeing. This snow covered valley fascinates the heart. But seeing this beautiful sight was a difficult task for the tourists, because it was very difficult to reach Sonamarg in winter. But now Sonamarg will be accessible throughout the year through Z-Morh Tunnel. The area will open up new avenues for winter sports and adventure tourism such as skiing and snow trekking. This will also promote local handicrafts and small businesses.
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Business will increase by 30%
Due to heavy snowfall in winter, life in Jammu and Kashmir becomes disrupted. Tourism, which plays an important role in development here, also does not remain untouched by this. But now the Z-Morh Tunnel will strengthen the local economy. Better connectivity will speed up the movement of goods and services. Paths to new markets will open for producers and traders. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, there is a possibility of increase in trade by 30% after the opening of the tunnel.
