New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Zed Mod Tunnel to the nation on Monday, January 13. Let us tell you that this tunnel is very important diplomatically. Preparations have been finalized at the venue for this program of PM Modi. It is being told that SPG teams had reached Srinagar on Thursday itself to take all the important places under its surveillance. This 6.5 kilometer long tunnel is most important in the Ladakh region in terms of the country’s defense needs. This tunnel also connects Ladakh to other parts of the country.
I am eagerly waiting: PM Modi
PM Modi had also made a social media post on Saturday regarding the inauguration of Z Mod Tunnel. He wrote in his post that I am eagerly waiting for my visit to Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir for the inauguration of this tunnel. You are right about the benefits to tourism and the local economy. It is a great pleasure to see pictures and videos of this tunnel.
PM Modi has made this post regarding Z Mod Tunnel
I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy.
Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos! https://t.co/JCBT8Ei175
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2025
The project started in 2015
Let us tell you that after the completion of Zojila tunnel, the Srinagar-Leh road will remain open throughout the year. The work on this project started in May 2015. The construction work of the tunnel was completed last year i.e. in 2024.
This distance of 12 kilometers will now be covered in just 15 minutes.
This tunnel is being called Z turn tunnel because it is in the shape of the English letter Z. After the construction of this tunnel, now the distance of 12 kilometers has reduced to 6.5 kilometers. And it will take only 15 minutes to complete this distance. The biggest benefit from the opening of this tunnel will be that now no one will have the fear of being stuck on the highway for hours due to avalanche while passing through here during the winter season.
Why is this tunnel special?
This tunnel is special for many reasons. It is being told that with the commencement of this tunnel, vehicles will run at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour. According to an estimate, this tunnel has the capacity to move 1000 vehicles every hour. This tunnel is 10 meters wide and along with it an escape tunnel of seven and a half meters has been made.
Can be launched online also
It is being told that the weather may remain bad around the venue on January 13. The weather department has also predicted snowfall and rain. According to information received from sources, if this happens then PM Modi can inaugurate this tunnel online. However, it is expected that PM Modi will inaugurate this tunnel only after reaching the venue.
Jammu and Kashmir CM also praised
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah wrote a social media post recently without taking the name of this project. He said in that post that the project to be inaugurated in the coming days will prove to be a big change for the expansion of tourism. He further wrote that Jammu and Kashmir, especially Central Kashmir, is waiting for the inauguration of an important part of the infrastructure in the coming days. The commencement of this project will prove to be a game changer for the expansion of winter tourism.
Traffic will no longer be disrupted due to snowfall
The area where the Z Mod Tunnel falls on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Highway often receives heavy snowfall. Due to excessive snowfall, a large part of the highway is closed for several months. But now this will not happen, now due to the Z turn tunnel built under this project and another tunnel being built along with it, along with the common people, the Indian Army will also be able to use this highway without any hindrance throughout the year. The first of the two tunnels being built under this project is the Z turn tunnel which is between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district. Whereas the second tunnel whose length is 14 kilometers is Zojila and it will go from Baltal across Zojila pass via mini route to Dras.
What is the purpose of this tunnel
Let us tell you that a total expenditure of Rs 2400 crore has been incurred in preparing this 6.5 kilometer long tunnel. The purpose of building it is to improve the connectivity between Srinagar to Sonmarg and later to Ladakh. This tunnel is located at an altitude of more than 8,500 feet above sea level. This stretch of road has been particularly sensitive to winter weather. With the construction of Z Mod Tunnel on this route, these challenges will be eliminated to a great extent.
Why is this tunnel so important for the country?
If we talk about the importance of Z Mod Tunnel, then it is very important for Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh from political and economic point of view. With its launch, tourists will be able to reach Sonamarg without any problem in any season throughout the year. Which will further promote tourism in the area. Along with this, it is also going to play an important role in connecting Ladakh with the rest of the country. With the help of this tunnel, our army will also be able to reach the border areas faster and easier than before. Let us tell you that the construction of Zojila tunnel on this route is proposed till December 2026. The importance of this route will further increase with the opening of Zojila Tunnel.
