New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his eagerness to visit the Sonamarg area of Jammu and Kashmir, where he is scheduled to unveil the Z-Morh tunnel on Monday. His remarks came after comments and videos posted by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on X, following his visit to the Gagangir area on Saturday.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: “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!”
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! https://t.co/JCBT8Ei175
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2025
On Saturday, Omar Abdullah paid a visit to the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district to take stock of the arrangements being made for PM Modi’s tour on Monday.
On X, Omar wrote: “Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday. 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.”
More photos from the air of the area around the tunnel. pic.twitter.com/NdAToNGCW3
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 11, 2025
He also posted some pictures of the area he visited on Saturday.
Views of the tunnel entrance & Sonmarg from the air. pic.twitter.com/yLOvW87JCW
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 11, 2025
PM to address public gathering at Sonmarg
The Z-Morh tunnel will provide an alternative route, bypassing the tough stretch of highway from Gagangir to Sonamarg, which is often closed during the winter months due to avalanches and heavy snowfall.
On Monday, PM Modi will also address a public gathering at Sonamarg. Security arrangements have been put into place at the venues of functions being attended by the PM. A tight security cover, including the SPG, security forces, J&K police, and the army, has been set up within a 20-km radius of the Prime Minister’s engagement locations.
Prior to the formal inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel by PM Modi, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister carried out a thorough review of the arrangements at the project site. An official statement said: “The Chief Minister inspected the tunnel tubes and interacted with the engineers and workers involved in the construction of the project, expressing his appreciation for their efforts in completing this vital infrastructure.”
It added that the CM also visited the venue where PM Modi is set to address a public gathering and formally dedicate the project to the nation. “Reflecting on the region’s tourism potential, CM Abdullah reiterated his vision of positioning Ganderbal as a premier winter sports destination,” the statement read.
