Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, January 11: The Bharatiya Janata Party has stated that the Sonamarg Z-Morh Tunnel will significantly boost tourism, trade, and local economies while also carrying considerable strategic and defense significance. They highlighted that these developments are a testament to the Government of India’s steadfast dedication to the growth, connectivity, and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Initiated in 2012, work on the Sonamarg Z-Morh Tunnel gained momentum only after 2014 and has made this landmark project a reality despite facing various challenges, including a terrorist attack,” remarked Arun Gupta, spokesperson for J&K BJP, alongside fellow party representatives Dr. Tahir Choudhary and Gaurav Gupta, during a media briefing at the party office in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.
Gupta emphasized that since 2014, various complications have been effectively addressed, ensuring national integrity and preventing any actions from neighboring adversaries. He noted a significant terrorist attack on October 21, 2024, which resulted in several fatalities, including that of a doctor.
Spanning 6.4 kilometers, the tunnel will link the Sonamarg Health Resort with Kangan town near Gagangeer Village. Constructed beneath the Tajiwas Glacier, it circumvents areas prone to landslides and avalanches. Furthermore, it connects to the Zozila tunnel, which is set to be Asia’s longest tunnel at 13.4 kilometers, built at a cost of 6,800 crores, and will traverse the Zozila pass linking Ganderbal in Kashmir to Drass Town in Kargil.
“This corridor is crucial for business and defense, ensuring year-round access for both tourists and residents, stretching from Kashmir to the far reaches of Ladakh,” he stated.
“Through this initiative, the government has demonstrated its decisive commitment to development and growth in J&K and Ladakh,” Gupta added.
Dr. Tahir Choudhary reflected on the Prime Minister’s commitment to a ‘Naya Jammu-Kashmir’, asserting that the BJP has fulfilled its promises.
Gaurav Gupta emphasized that this all-weather tunnel, which begins at Gagangeer and extends to Sonamarg, will finally address the longstanding problem of Gagangeer being isolated during heavy snowfall.
“These developments underscore the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to the advancement, connectivity, and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir,” he concluded.
