PM Modi arriving to launch Z-Morh Tunnel

Srinagar/ Ganderbal, Jan 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Srinagar on Monday morning to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district.

The event is being held amid extraordinary security arrangements across the district and other parts of Kashmir.

On Monday morning, PM Modi will land at the Srinagar Technical Airport, where he will be received by senior officials of the J&K administration, BJP’s J&K Unit President Sat Sharma, and other prominent BJP leaders.

From the airport, the PM will board a helicopter to Sonamarg where he will formally inaugurate the Z-Morh Tunnel and later address a public gathering.

The inauguration ceremony will also be attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and several other ministers and officials.

The event marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to improve connectivity and infrastructure in J&K.

The 6.5 km Z-Morh Tunnel is a vital infrastructure project that ensures year-round connectivity to the picturesque Sonamarg tourist resort, which was traditionally inaccessible during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall.

The tunnel is part of a larger initiative, alongside the under-construction Zojila Tunnel, to provide all-weather access to the strategically important region of Ladakh.

In preparation for the PM’s visit, security measures have been heightened in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. Senior-ranked Police officers are camping in Ganderbal district to oversee security arrangements.

The Ganderbal-Zojila road has been closed to public traffic from Saturday to Monday to ensure the area remains secure.

Special Security Group (SSG) personnel took over the area days before the visit and multiple checkpoints have been established to monitor movement.

After inaugurating the tunnel at 11:45 am, PM Modi will address a public gathering in Sonamarg.

Officials expect a significant turnout for the PM’s address, which will likely focus on the development and integration of J&K with the rest of the country.

This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to J&K since the elected government was formed.

It also represents his 12th visit to J&K since taking office as PM.

Ahead of the inauguration, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the tunnel on Saturday to oversee the final preparations.

He shared images from his visit on microblogging site X, which were later reshared by PM Modi, highlighting the collaborative efforts for the successful completion of the project.