Security tightened ahead of PM Modi’s visit to inaugurate Z-Morh tunnel

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi all set to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Monday, security has been tightened across Kashmir valley.

The Prime Minister will address a public rally after the inauguration of the tunnel in Gagangir in the Sonamarg area of the central Kashmir district, said sources. He will also meet the construction workers who have worked meticulously in the harshest conditions, “acknowledging their contribution to this engineering feat.”

The security has also been strengthened in many areas of the Valley, including Srinagar. “Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place and the PM’s security team, comprising SPG personnel, has taken over the venue,” official sources said.

Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces and the Army are part of the security apparatus for Monday’s inauguration. Extensive area domination exercises, searches and patrols are being conducted for the smooth conduct of the event, the officials said.

They said sharpshooters have been deployed at vulnerable points while aerial and technical surveillance, including through drones, is also being undertaken. The area is being monitored round-the-clock, they added.

Officials said on Saturday that all security agencies are working in coordination to ensure the event is held smoothly. “Tight security is being maintained along the Srinagar-Sonamarg road passing through Ganderbal and area domination exercises are being conducted,” the officials said. The deployment of security personnel has been increased in vulnerable areas and checkpoints have been set up at several places, they said.

In October last year, militants had targeted employees of a construction firm, which was involved in the construction of the Z-Morh tunnel. Seven people, including a local doctor, were killed in the attack.

Built at a cost of Rs 2,400 crore on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, the strategic 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel will be a major step towards making the Ladakh region accessible by road throughout the year. The work on the project began in May 2015 and was completed last year. The soft opening of the tunnel was done in February 2024.

The tunnel is vital in terms of the defence needs of the country in the Ladakh region and also connecting it to the rest of the country. Situated at an altitude of 8,650 feet, the Z-Morh tunnel is a two-lane road tunnel equipped with a parallel 7.5-metre-wide escape passage for emergencies. The tunnel ensures seamless connectivity between Gagangir and Sonamarg, and will ease summer travel to Ladakh. Along with the under-construction Zojila tunnel, the Z-Morh tunnel will ensure uninterrupted connectivity to Baltal and Ladakh regions for civilian and military traffic.

Will boost tourism: Omar

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Sonmarg on Saturday to take stock of the security arrangements ahead of PM Modi’s visit. “Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday,” Omar wrote on X.

“The inauguration of the Z-morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round, Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter & the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also reduce,” he added.

Responding to Omar’s tweet about today’s visit, PM Modi wrote on X, “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!”