Scheduled to open on Jan 13, the 6.5 km tunnel promises year-round access to tourist destination; locals, stakeholders says it will boost economy, create job opportunities
GANDERBAL: Renowned tourist destination, Sonamarg is all set to witness a major boost in its connectivity with the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel, scheduled to take place on January 13.
The 6.5 km tunnel, constructed between Gagangir and Sonamarg in the central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, will provide all-weather connectivity to the picturesque Sonamarg, renowned for its winter tourism.
Locals are ecstatic about the tunnel’s potential to boost winter tourism in the region. “The Z-Morh tunnel will be a game-changer for our region,” said Shabir Ahmad, president of the Beopar Mandal Association in Sonamarg. “It will boost our local economy, enhance winter sports activities, and create new job opportunities for our youth.”
Shabir added, “We would have to close our hotels and businesses during the winter months due to the road closure, but with the Z-Morh tunnel, we can now remain open throughout the year, catering to tourists who want to experience the beauty of Sonamarg in winter.”
The tunnel will increase the footfall of tourists in Sonamarg, resulting in economic benefits for local businessmen, hoteliers, and horse owners, said Mohammad Akbar, a local resident. “We are expecting a significant increase in tourism revenue, which will improve the overall economic condition of our area,” he added.
Akbar said the Z-Morh tunnel will create new job opportunities for our youth in the tourism sector, and we are excited about the prospect of working in hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses, which will help us earn a decent livelihood.
The Z-Morh tunnel will provide round-the-year connectivity to Sonamarg, making it an attractive destination for tourists throughout the year,” said Bilal Ahmad, a local tour operator. We are expecting a significant increase in tourist arrivals, which will help promote our region’s tourism potential.”
The Z-Morh tunnel, along with the ZojiLa Tunnel, will ensure uninterrupted connectivity between Srinagar and Kargil, providing year-round weather-proof access to Baltal (Amarnath cave), Kargil, and other places in the Ladakh region.
With the Z-Morh tunnel’s inauguration, Kashmir is poised to witness a significant transformation in its connectivity, economy, and tourism landscape.