Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir on January 13 to inaugurate the strategic Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district, security has been significantly ramped up across the valley.
According to official sources, the Special Protection Group (SPG), tasked with the Prime Minister’s security, has taken over the control of the security at the venue of the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel at Shutkadi village in Sonamarg.
The SPG, in coordination with J&K Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), is working round the clock to ensure the smooth execution of this high-profile event.
Officials said the security apparatus has been reinforced with area domination exercises, continuous ground and air surveillance through drones, and extensive monitoring via CCTV cameras. The Indian Army is maintaining a tight vigil on the upper reaches of Ganderbal district to counter any potential threats.
This comes in light of an attack in October last year when militants targeted workers from APCO Infratech, the company that constructed the Z-Morh tunnel, resulting in seven fatalities, including a local doctor.
The inaugural ceremony, where the 6.4-kilometer Z-Morh tunnel will be dedicated by Prime Minister to the nation, will also be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Built at a cost of ₹2,717 crore, the Z-Morh tunnel provides all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination.
The Government is India is planning to provide round-the-year connectivity to stratagically important Ladakh through the Z-Morh tunnel and under construction 13.1-km-long Zojila Tunnel, which is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Officials said the Z-Morh tunnel is a transformative project for the region offering more than just a connection between Gagangir and Sonamarg . Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the tunnel enhances safety and convenience with features such as public address system for announcements, an electrical fire signaling system for quick fire detection and evacuation, FM signal rebroadcasting to keep drivers informed and entertained, real-time traffic updates, and speed limit variable message signs (SLVS) that adjust speed limits based on traffic conditions.
Omar Abdullah said the inauguration of vital piece of infrastructure was a “game changer” for winter tourism in the Valley.
“J&K, especially central Kashmir looks forward to the inauguration of a vital piece of infrastructure in the coming days. This asset will be a game changer for the expansion of winter tourism in the Valley,” he said.
