New Delhi, Oct 2: In a major initiative to expedite the improvement of infrastructure in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and ensure all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, the foundation stone for the Z-Morh tunnel will be laid on Thursday. The tunnel will be constructed under the aegis of Union Ministry of Surface Transport.
 According to an official communiqué the tunnel will be built on the Srinagar-Leh section of the National Highway-1. The Z-Morh tunnel is 6.5 km long having two lanes with parallel 6.5 km long escape tunnel on a new alignment between Gagangeer and Sonamarg.
 Greater Kashmir had earlier reported that AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will lay the foundation stone. Union Surface Transport and Highways Minister, Dr C P Joshi and J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah will also be present on the occasion.
 It may be mentioned that Leh is connected to mainland via Jammu-Srinagar-Zojilla-Kargil-Leh and Manali-Sarchu-Leh route. These are the only lifelines for the survival of people of Ladakh and their socio-economic development.
 Both these routes remain completely cut off for six to seven months during winter (November to May) due to heavy snowfall and avalanche prone areas along these routes. The construction of Z-Morh tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, thereby bringing big relief to the people of Ladakh, a Ministry spokesman said.
 The stretch between Srinagar-Leh would be important for the betterment of the socio-economic development of the people of Ladakh. The tunnel will also boost the tourism potential in Sonamarg and adjacent areas along the highway.
 The spokesperson further said that besides enhancing the safety of the road users, the construction of tunnel will provide employment to the local population. In addition, the improved all-weather road connectivity will boost up industrial growth and local economic activities in villages, towns and urban/semi-urban areas falling in or situated close to the project highway.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 2 Oct 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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