Drive against encroachments on national highways held at Sonmarg

Srinagar, Oct 9: In anticipation of the official launch of the Z-MORH Tunnel Project, an 11.98 km engineering marvel, officials from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), in collaboration with members of the Kashmir Road Safety Foundation (KRSF), organised an on-road awareness drive focusing on maintaining encroachment-free National Highways.

Held at Zero Point Village Kullan, Ganderbal, the drive highlighted the importance of clear highways for the safe and efficient movement of traffic, especially with the upcoming tunnel opening. The Z-MORH Tunnel, constructed under the 'Make In India' initiative, is set to provide year-round connectivity, enhancing travel for both locals and tourists in the region. It utilizes state-of-the-art technology and has achieved a record-breaking 17.5 million hours of work without any casualties among the labor force.

Ghulam Mohammad Dar, GM LA & CORD NHIDCL, stated, "This awareness drive is a step toward ensuring that our highways remain free from obstructions, which will not only improve road safety but also enhance the experience for travelers. The Z-MORH Tunnel will be a testament to India's engineering prowess and our commitment to building safe and efficient infrastructure."

Akil Sajgotra, Authority at NHIDCL, remarked, "The opening of the Z-MORH Tunnel will mark a significant milestone for the region. With modern technologies and a focus on safety, it will benefit everyone, from local communities to tourists, fostering economic growth and connectivity."

Sameer Goyal and  Daljeet Singh, representatives from The Independent Engineer M/s ICT-AIAPL (JV) Z-MORH Tunnel, noted, "The Z-MORH Tunnel has set a new benchmark in infrastructure development with its seamless execution and commitment to safety. The encroachment-free highways initiative complements our goal of providing a safe and efficient route for all travelers."

Nasir Ali Khan, Chairman of the Kashmir Road Safety Foundation, said, "At KRSF, we are committed to promoting road safety awareness. Today's drive is part of our ongoing mission to ensure that our highways are safe for everyone. As the Z-MORH Tunnel opens, we must maintain this awareness to safeguard lives and ensure a smooth travel experience for all."

The Z-MORH Tunnel is expected to open to the public in the coming weeks and will revolutionise travel in the region by providing all-season connectivity to Sonmarg and beyond.