Srinagar, Jan 11 (UNI) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir on January 13 to inaugurate the strategic important Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district, security has been significantly ramped up across the valley.
This is PM’s first visit since an elected government came to power in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October last year.
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 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.
Officials said the security apparatus has been reinforced with area domination exercises, continuous
ground and air surveillance through drones, and extensive monitoring via CCTV cameras. The Indian Army is maintaining a tight vigil on the upper reaches of Ganderbal district to counter any potential threats.
In October last year, militants struck the project site, killing seven workers, including a local doctor.
The inaugural ceremony, where the 6.4-kilometer Z-Morh tunnel will be dedicated by Prime Minister to the nation, will also be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
A government spokesman said Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion.
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.
Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.
It will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.
Along with the Zojila Tunnel, set for completion by 2028, it will reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and boost vehicle speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh.
“This enhanced connectivity will boost defense logistics, drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh,” the spokesman said.
The Prime Minister will also meet the construction workers who have worked meticulously in the harshest conditions, acknowledging their contribution to this engineering feat.
The tunnel has been developed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The company officials said the Z-Morh tunnel is a transformative project for the region offering more than just a connection between Gagangir and Sonamarg.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the tunnel enhances safety and convenience with features such as a public address system for announcements, an electrical fire signaling system for quick fire detection and evacuation, FM signal rebroadcasting to keep drivers informed and entertained, real-time traffic updates, and speed limit variable message signs (SLVS) that adjust speed limits based on traffic conditions.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Sonmarg on Saturday to review preparations for the PM visit.
“The inauguration of the Z-morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round, Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter & the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also reduce,” Omar said in a post on X.
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