Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 13, 2025, 02:42 PM
Sonamarg Tunnel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the much-awaited Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir. This tunnel is an important project to connect Srinagar to Sonamarg, which people had been waiting for a long time. Through this tunnel, Sonamarg will now be open for tourists throughout the year and the travel time will also be reduced considerably.During the tunnel inauguration, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi wholeheartedly. He said that the Prime Minister is constantly trying to eliminate the distance between hearts and Delhi from every corner of the country. Omar Abdullah, recalling the martyrdom of seven workers for this project, said that their sacrifice has played an important role in making this project a reality. He said, “This sacrifice has been given for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir and the unity of the country. I belong to that political party, whose thousands of workers have given their lives for the country in the last 35-37 years. We were never ready to trade the country nor to see the country being divided.”Omar Abdullah also expressed his feelings about this tunnel. He said that when the foundation stone of this tunnel was laid, he had also participated in this project as the Chief Minister. However, due to initial difficulties, this project could not be completed on time. But due to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, this project gained momentum and today this tunnel has opened for the general public.The construction of this tunnel has cost about Rs 2700 crore. This 6.5 km long tunnel is located at an altitude of 8650 meters above sea level. Now people going to Sonamarg will not need to go to the lower areas. Due to this tunnel, the travel time has been reduced from one hour to just 15 minutes. Omar Abdullah said that the opening of this tunnel will give a big boost to the tourism of Jammu and Kashmir and the local people will get new employment opportunities.Omar Abdullah also praised Prime Minister Modi on the recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that PM Modi had promised the people of the state that elections would be held soon and that promise was fulfilled. Within four months, elections were held in the state and people got a chance to choose their government. Omar Abdullah also praised the Election Commission of India and the EVM system for the election process. He said, "The elections were conducted with complete transparency and there was no complaint of rigging or misuse of power anywhere. There was no need for re-polling at any polling station. This is proof of how strong and fair the election system of the country is. The credit for this goes to Prime Minister Modi, his colleagues and the Election Commission." Omar Abdullah recalled that when Prime Minister Modi visited Srinagar after winning the elections for the third time, he organized a program on the occasion of International Yoga Day. In that program, the Prime Minister shared some important ideas, which made people trust him more. He had said that he not only wants to reduce the distance from Delhi, but is also working to erase the distance in the hearts of the people.After the inauguration of this tunnel project, it has become clear that the central government is fully committed to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah said that this visit of Prime Minister Modi is a strong message to all those forces who want to disrupt peace and development in the state. He said, "Those who do not like peace in Jammu and Kashmir can never succeed here. They will always have to face defeat."Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said on this occasion that this tunnel will not only reduce the geographical distance, but will also improve the lives of the local people. He said that the government is continuously working for the development and peace of Jammu and Kashmir. Through this tunnel, not only tourism will be promoted, but many economic opportunities will also be created for the local people.After the inauguration of this tunnel, there is an atmosphere of enthusiasm and happiness among the local people. People will now get employment opportunities in Sonamarg throughout the year and the number of tourists will also increase. Omar Abdullah said that this tunnel symbolizes a new beginning for Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed hope that through such projects a new era of peace and development will begin in the state.