Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 11: Maintaining that Sonamarg Z-Morh Tunnel will not only enhance tourism, trade, and local livelihoods but also holds immense strategic and defence importance, Bharatiya Janata Party has said that these developments demonstrate the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to the progress, connectivity, and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir.
“Conceived in 2012, Sonamarg Z-Morh Tunnel started moving aggressively and constant work of day and night only after 2014, has brought this milestone a glaring reality inspite of many challenges of various magnitudes including a terrorist attack,” said Arun Gupta, spokesperson, J&K BJP, accompanied by Dr Tahir Choudhary, and Gaurav Gupta, spokespersons of the party, while addressing media persons at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.
Arun Gupta said that since 2014, many complications and challenges have been addressed suitably thus ensuring no compromise on the integrity of the country and no misadventure by neighbouring country was tolerated. This tunnel faced major terrorist attack on October 21 in 2024, which left many dead including a doctor, he added.
This 6.4 kms long tunnel connects Sonamarg Health Resort with Kangan town near Gagangeer Village. This tunnel is built under the mountain glacier of Tajiwas Glacier, which is between Gagangeer and Sonamarg. It bypasses the landslide and avalanche prone pockets of road. It connects to Zozila tunnel, which will be Asia’s longest tunnel of 13.4 kms, and being constructed at the cost of 6800 cr. It will pass under Zozila pass between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Drass Town in Kargil.
“It is very important business and strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh, in terms of whole year connectivity for Defence and Tourist as well as citizen of the area right from Kashmir till last pocket of Ladakh,” he said.
“Through this tunnel, Government reflected its clear as well as straight forward development and growth-oriented approach for J&K and Ladakh in every matter,” said Gupta.
Dr Tahir Chowdhary recalled the PM’s commitment towards ‘Naya Jammu-Kashmir’. He said that the BJP delivered on all its promises.
Gaurav Gupta said that this all-weather tunnel, starting from Gagangeer and extending to Sonamarg, will resolve the long-standing issue of Gagangeer area being cut off during heavy snowfall.
“These developments demonstrate the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to the progress, connectivity, and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.
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