Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the strategically important Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district,
PM Modi was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Territory’s Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, among other leaders.
After inaugurating the Rs 2,700-crore project, the PM Shri Modi went into the tunnel and interacted with the National Highways And Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited(NHIDCL) Officials.
Developed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the Sonamarg Tunnel is a 6.412 km-long tunnel that connects Sonamarg with Kangan town in the central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Dr.Krishan Kumar, Managing Director NHIDCL briefed Prime Minister Shri Modi about the crucial project, which will be providing all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg and further to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to Ladakh region.
Prime Minister Shri Modi also met the construction workers who worked meticulously amid harsh conditions to complete the tunnel.
PM’s visit was recognition of their dedication and efforts in completing this remarkable engineering project despite the challenging conditions they faced.
Speaking after the inauguration of the tunnel, Omar Abdullah thanked PM Modi for coming to Jammu and Kashmir in “intense cold”
The 6.5-kilometre-long tunnel, also known as the Z-Morh Tunnel, will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, enabling the development of Sonamarg resort as a winter sports destination, said he.
The Sonamarg Tunnel will enable the development of Sonamarg resort in Ganderbal district as a winter sports destination, similar to the famous Gulmarg skiing resort town.
Built at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore, the Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km length, an egress tunnel and approach roads.
Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, the Sonamarg Tunnel will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg.
Situated between the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, the Sonmarg Tunnel is expected to unlock the full potential of the region’s trade and tourism sectors.
Along with the Zojila Tunnel, set for completion by 2028, the Sonamarg Tunnel will help in ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh.
This enhanced connectivity will boost defence logistics, drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, a NHIDCL official said.