Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel, which is also known as the Sonamarg Tunnel, in the Srinagar-Leh National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir on 13 January 2025.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he thanked and lauded the labourers who put their lives at stake to and worked with resolve and commitment for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and India, tackling all the obstacles to complete the work. He also condoled the demise of 7 seven labourers.

The Prime Minister remarked that the festive season brings new opportunities for tourist destinations like Sonamarg, attracting visitors from across the country who enjoy the hospitality of the people of Kashmir.

Announcing the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel and fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Modi highlighted that this tunnel will significantly ease the lives of people in Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh.

The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km length, 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.

Emphasising the extensive infrastructure development from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister remarked that Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, high bridges, and ropeways, with some of the world’s highest tunnels and highest rail-road bridges being constructed here. The Prime Minister remarked that more than 14 tunnels like Sonamarg are being constructed, making Jammu and Kashmir one of the most connected regions in the country.