Sonmarg Sep 28 (Bureau) Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday reviewed the construction work of the Z-Morh tunnel here on the Srinagar-Leh highway. He also inspected the escape tunnel which is adjacent to the main tunnel. Talking to reporters after inspecting the tunnel here, Gadkari said, “Sonmarg is a attractive destination for tourists but due to lack of road infrastructure the people don’t come here. The local people are facing lots of difficulties during winter season. They do not get gas, fuel and vegetables for around 6 months.” “After the construction of the tunnel it will change the life of the people in Sonmarg and it’s adjoining areas,” he added. He said I want to see these projects as a socio-economic growth centre to provide all around development in the region. “We are trying to open this tunnel for normal traffic a year ahead of official deadline which is December 2023,” he added.
The Minister said the government is constructing a total of 52km of tunnels in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. There will be 20 tunnels in J&K, while 11 in Ladakh with a total cost of Rs 1 lakh 40,000 cr. He said the tenders of several projects have been done, and some of DPRs are also ready. The construction of tunnel will improve the economic activities in the region as well as provide a greatest access to Indian Army to deploy it’s man and machine in forward posts in Ladakh. The construction of this tunnel had begun in October 2020 with a total outlay of Rs 2300 cr. This bi-directional tunnel will provide all weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonmarg and will boost the economic activities in the region. As per the official, this 6.5 km long stretch will also help the locals to provide round the year connectivity.