On January 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-More Sonmarg Tunnel in Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. This tunnel is located on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway and is extremely important for both tourism and strategic purposes. The opening of this tunnel will provide year-round road connectivity to Sonmarg and Ladakh.
The strategically important Z-More Sonmarg Tunnel was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13. This is his first visit to the state after the formation of the new government. The tunnel is of immense importance from both tourism and strategic perspectives. The 6.5-kilometer-long tunnel is located at an altitude of 8,650 feet in the Gandarbal district on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway.
In preparation for the Prime Minister's visit, security has been tightened not just along the Srinagar-Kargil National Highway but across the entire valley. The military and paramilitary forces have increased patrols in sensitive areas around the tunnel. The Special Protection Group (SPG) has taken control of the event site.
Omar Abdullah said that fair and free elections were held. He responded to questions about when Jammu and Kashmir would regain statehood, expressing confidence that the promise made by the Prime Minister during the Yoga Day event would be fulfilled. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also remembered the martyrs of the Gagangeer attack in his speech.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in his speech, praised the Prime Minister for pulling Jammu and Kashmir out of despair and putting it on the path of development, transforming it into the "real paradise" as described in the books. Today, the discussion about Jammu and Kashmir revolves around tourism rather than terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met with the workers who built the tunnel. He posed for pictures with the workers. During this time, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were also present.
Despite the bone-chilling cold, a large number of people arrived early in the morning to attend the event and hear Prime Minister Modi's speech. Local resident Akhtar Khatana expressed excitement about meeting the Prime Minister and mentioned how the tunnel would benefit everyone, especially during the winter months, as the road will remain open.
To ensure smooth arrangements, additional security measures were taken around the event venue. The Chief Minister, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, and other senior officials had already arrived at the venue.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh also reached Srinagar on January 13. With the opening of the Z-More tunnel, year-round road connectivity to Sonmarg and Ladakh is now possible, which will reduce travel time from hours to just 15 minutes.
It is noteworthy that this is Prime Minister Modi's second visit to Kashmir in four months. The inauguration ceremony began at 11 AM, with the tunnel being grandly decorated. In addition to Nitin Gadkari, the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and other key officials were present for the ceremony.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha welcomed Nitin Gadkari at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar. The Prime Minister will inspect various parts of the tunnel and meet with the officers and workers involved in the project. He may also meet the families of the martyrs who died in the terrorist attack in October last year.
The construction of the tunnel, which cost more than 2,700 crores, was completed last year but could not be opened due to certain reasons. The cold-resistant platform has been specially set up for the Prime Minister's visit, and security measures have been increased along the routes leading to the venue. The opening of this tunnel will restore year-round road connectivity to Sonmarg, making it easier to travel to the region.
Sharp shooters have been deployed along the Srinagar-Ganderbal-Sonmarg route, and random vehicle checks are being conducted. Drones are being used for surveillance. The security forces are also checking the road for explosives, ensuring that no untoward incident occurs.
Security has been increased in key areas across Srinagar, including minority settlements and areas populated by migrant workers. Surprise search operations are being conducted from Kulgam to Kupwara to thwart any potential terrorist plans.
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