Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday, calling the union territory the “crown of India.” In his address, he expressed his vision for Jammu and Kashmir to become a “beautiful and prosperous” region, underscoring the significance of the infrastructure project for the area’s development.
“Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of the country, and I want this crown to be beautiful and prosperous,” Modi remarked during the event. He also paid tribute to the seven individuals, including laborers, who lost their lives in a terror attack in the region in October 2024. “These workers completed their tasks despite facing numerous challenges, and today, we remember them with respect,” he added.
The Z-Morh tunnel, which is part of the strategically important Srinagar-Leh National Highway, will greatly enhance connectivity to the Ladakh region throughout the year. Spanning 6.5 kilometers, the Rs.2,400 crore project, which began in May 2015, was completed in 2024. The tunnel had its soft opening in February earlier this year.
Reflecting on his personal connection with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi recalled his long history with the region. He shared memories from his time as a BJP worker, recalling how he and his team would travel on foot through challenging terrains, even in heavy snowfall, yet were always greeted with warmth by the people.
