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JAMMU: Conceived in 2012, Sonamarg Z-Morh Tunnel started moving aggressively and constant work of day and night only after 2014, has brought this milestone a glaring reality inspite of many challenges of various magnitudes including a terrorist attack, stated Arun Gupta. Arun Gupta, Spokesperson, J&K BJP accompanied by Dr. Tahir Choudhary, and Gaurav Gupta, Spokespersons of the party was addressing party media persons in a press conference at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.
Arun Gupta said that since 2014, many complications and challenges have been addressed suitably thus ensuring no compromise on the integrity of the country and no misadventure by neighbouring country was tolerated. This tunnel faced major terrorist attack on October 21 in 2024, which left many dead including a doctor, he added. “6.4 kms long Sonamarg tunnel connects Sonamarg Health Resort with Kangan town near Gagangir Village. This tunnel is built under the mountain glacier of Tajiwas Glacier, which is between Gagangir and Sonamarg. It bypasses the landslide and avalanche prone pockets of road”, said Arun Gupta.
It is very important business and strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh, in term of whole year connectivity for Defence and Tourist as well as citizen of the area right from Kashmir till last pocket of Ladakh. It connects to Zozila tunnel, which will be Asia’s longest tunnel of 13.4 kms, and being constructed at the cost of 6800 cr. It will pass under Zozila pass between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Drass Town in Kargil.
Security Forces posted in Ladakh are highly dependent on this surface connection. Sonamark will become a new winter destination in Kashmir. Thus, a great boost to winter tourism, thereby increasing growth in every aspect. “Through this tunnel, government reflected its clear as well as straight forward development and growth-oriented approach for J&K and Ladakh in every matter”, said Gupta.
Dr. Tahir Chowdhary recalled the PM’s commitment towards ‘Naya Jammu-Kashmir’. He said that the BJP delivered on all its promises. He said that whereas the tourists and the locals were stranded on the snow-covered highways and had to survive on the exorbitant prices of eatable essentials and harsh snowy weather. Gaurav Gupta said that this all-weather tunnel, starting from Gagangeer and extending to Sonamarg, will resolve the long-standing issue of Gagangeer area being cut off during heavy snowfall.
The Z-Morh Tunnel will not only enhance tourism, trade, and local livelihoods but also holds immense strategic and defense importance. Located at an altitude of 8,500 ft, it also lays the foundation for the Zojila Tunnel, which will be completed in the coming years to establish year-round connectivity between J&K and Ladakh. “These developments demonstrate the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to the progress, connectivity, and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.
