Road Transport and Highways minister C P Joshi today laid the foundation stone of the Z-Morh Tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh section of National Highway . This will provide all-weather connectivity with Ladakh. AIR correspondent reports, the project is a major initiative to expedite the improvement of infrastructure in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This tunnel is 6.5 km long two-lane tunnel with parallel 6.5 km long escape tunnel on a new alignment between Gagangir and Sonamarg under Srinagar-Leh section of NH-1.The project will be constructed on Build Own Transfer-BOT (Annuity) mode with a project cost of about 2680 crore rupees on the basis of approved guidelines for such projects.The construction of this tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, thereby bringing big relief to the people of Laddakh. The tunnel will also boost the tourism potential of the Sonamarg and adjacent area.The improved all-weather road connectivity will boost up industrial growth and local economic activities in villages, towns and urban areas. Among others Union minister Farooq Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah and Congress General Secertary Rahul Gandhi were present on the occasion.