Ganderbal, February 28, 2025 – The Z-Morh Tunnel is set to unlock the true potential of Sonmarg, promising a surge in national and international tourism and ushering in a new era of growth for Ganderbal district. This transformative project, inaugurated by Prime Minister ShriNarendra Modi on January 13, 2025, is already being hailed as a catalyst for prosperity and opportunity in Jammu & Kashmir.
Stretching 6.5 kilometers between Gagangir and Sonmarg, the tunnel ensures all-weather connectivity, ending the winter isolation that once cut off this scenic resort town. Built at a cost of over ₹2,700 crore, it bypasses avalanche-prone stretches of the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, making Sonmarg accessible year-round. Local leaders and residents see it as a lifeline for tourism, trade, and livelihoods.
“The Z-Morh Tunnel will put Sonmarg on the global map,” said a local official. “From skiing to adventure sports, this opens doors for visitors from across India and beyond.” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has echoed this, pitching Sonmarg as a future winter sports hub rivaling Gulmarg, thanks to the tunnel’s impact.
Gratitude is pouring in for Prime Minister Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, whose vision drove this project to completion. “This is a gift to Ganderbal—a new chapter of growth,” a community member shared on X, reflecting widespread sentiment. The tunnel, a decade in the making, also bolsters strategic links to Ladakh, enhancing defense logistics alongside its economic promise.
As fresh snowfall blankets the region this week, the Z-Morh Tunnel stands ready to welcome tourists to Sonmarg’s magic—proving its worth just weeks after opening. With prosperity on the horizon, Ganderbal’s future looks brighter than ever!