Sonmarg Tunnel Inaugurated by pm Narendra Modi

Sonmarg Tunnel Inaugurated

Sonmarg Tunnel Inaugurated by pm Narendra Modi . Now the people of Ladakh will benefit. There will be no more problems in traffic. People will be able to travel to Ladakh in all seasons. Especially the Indian Army will benefit. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Z Mode or Sonmarg Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the 6 km 400 meter long tunnel built at a cost of Rs 2700 crore at 11:30 am. Along with the Prime Minister, Union Minister of Road Transport Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh will be prominent participants in the program. The Z Mode Tunnel is from Gagangiri to Sonmarg. 

Rahul Gandhi had laid the foundation stone of this tunnel in the year 2012. The opening of the tunnel will further boost connectivity in the Kashmir Valley. This tunnel is located on the Srinagar-Sonamarg road. 

The 12 km long tunnel
The nearly 12 km long project has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It comprises the 6.4 km long Sonamarg main tunnel, an exit tunnel and approach roads. Located at an altitude of 8,650 ft above sea level, the bridge will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg via Leh. It will ensure safe and uninterrupted access to the Ladakh region.

Intelligent Traffic Management System in Tunnel
Intelligent Traffic Management System has been installed in the Z-Morh Tunnel, which will make it easier to control the traffic. Along with this, traffic will be facilitated through a dedicated escape tunnel. The Z-Morh Tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to the tourist town of Sonamarg. The debris generated during the construction work of this project has been used for the development of roadside amenities and the area.

What will be the benefits of the tunnel?
– There will be easy connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh
– Sonmarg Tunnel will connect Ladakh in all seasons
– It will not take much time to travel through the hilly terrain to reach Ladakh

– It will create opportunities for local businesses including hotels, transportation, restaurants
– A journey of one and a half hours will be possible in just 40 minutes
– There will be a reduction in logistics investment along with time and fuel savings
– Local agricultural produce will reach large markets
– Keshar, Seo, Walnuts, Cherries etc. will reach large markets

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Construction and Timeline
The Z-Morh tunnel project was first conceived by the Border Roads Organisation in 2012 and later handed over to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). After a re-tendering process, the construction contract was awarded to APCO Infratech. This private firm is managing the project through a special purpose vehicle, APCO-Shri Amarnathji Tunnel Private Limited. Originally slated for completion by August 2023, the project has faced delays, postponing its inauguration. A soft launch occurred in February 2024, but the official inauguration has been delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

Terrorist Attack and Security Response
On Sunday evening, militants targeted a tunnel construction site in the Gund area of Ganderbal, where workers from APCO Infratech were present. The attackers opened fire, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including Dr. Shahnawaz Dar and six laborers. In response, security forces, including police and army personnel, have cordoned off the area and initiated search operations.

This incident marks the deadliest assault on civilians in the region since the June 9 attack in Reasi, Jammu, where nine pilgrims lost their lives during a terrorist ambush on a bus. Moreover, it is the first reported attack on a critical infrastructure project in the union territory, underscoring the tunnel’s strategic significance.

Part of a Larger Project
The Z-Morh tunnel is a crucial component of the extensive Zojila tunnel project designed to ensure all-weather access from Srinagar to Ladakh. Currently under construction at an elevation of around 12,000 feet, the Zojila tunnel will link Sonamarg with Drass in Ladakh and is projected for completion by December 2026. Once operational, this tunnel will be vital for military access to the Ladakh region, especially in winter when traditional routes are obstructed by snow.

Tourism and Economic Impact
The Z-Morh tunnel is expected to boost tourism in Sonamarg, a renowned destination in Kashmir. Its construction will enable year-round accessibility, addressing the current winter inaccessibility caused by heavy snowfall. The tunnel’s opening is anticipated to create new opportunities for local businesses, significantly benefiting the region’s economy. Additionally, featuring an Intelligent Traffic Management System and a dedicated escape route, the tunnel will improve travel safety and efficiency, further contributing to regional infrastructure development.

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