By Naysa Shrivastava
On January 13, Monday, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district. The key role of the tunnel is to provide all-weather connectivity from Srinagar to Sonamarg and further extend to Leh. It is a 6.5 kilometers long tunnel constructed at a cost of Rs 2,700 crores, located in the centre of Kashmir. It ensures a safer and undisturbed route to the Ladakh region.
Modi along with the CM, Omar Abdullah went inside the tunnel and talked to the workers who diligently worked to make this happen. Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were also present there.
During the event, Modi mentioned in his speech pointing towards the militant attack that took place in October, “I give homage to the dedication of workers who bravely worked in the harsh weather conditions and put their lives at risk to finish this project. Seven workers lost their lives but the incident didn’t distract us from our pledge. No workers returned.”
Abdullah said, “The tunnel will allow the establishment of Sonamarg resort in Ganderbal district.
It can be a good winter sport destination just like Gulmarg skiing town. The weather is in our favour today because the sun is shining bright. Our hearts are full of warmth for the PM and we hope that you will come again to visit.”
Omar brought out the long-established demand of statehood, he said “We hope that the PM will soon fulfill the promise of providing Jammu & Kashmir statehood in the country. I would like to appreciate your courage to come here in this cold weather to inaugurate the tunnel.”
Modi didn’t talk much about the statehood demand and focused on the reach of roads and network lines in Ladakh. He said, “Distance between Delhi and UT has ended because of the route network.”
The tunnel will uplift the region’s trade, economy, defense and will boost tourism. By the year 2028, Zojila tunnel will also be developed and improve the NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. The strengthened connectivity will help in transportation and people can easily access the route to tour Kashmir.