NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his excitement ahead of his visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, for the upcoming inauguration of the tunnel.
Responding to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s post in which he shared several images of his visit to the tunnel, PM Modi said, “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the inauguration of the tunnel. You rightly point out the benefits to tourism and the local economy. Also, I loved the aerial photos and videos!
Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Sonamarg tunnel in J&K on January 13. The tunnel, part of a project costing over Rs 2,700 crore, includes a 12-km main tunnel, an exit tunnel and access roads. Located at an altitude of over 8,650 feet, it will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, offering a safer route to Leh by avoiding areas prone to landslides and avalanches.
The J&K CM was visiting the site to review preparations for PM Modi’s visit on Monday.
“The inauguration of the Z-morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round, Sonmarg will now be developed as a big ski resort. Local people will not have to leave in winter and travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also be reduced,” Abdullah said.
He shared several photos and videos of Ariel from the tunnel.
The project aims to transform Sonamarg into a year-round tourism hub, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports and local livelihoods, according to an official statement.
Along with the upcoming Zojila Tunnel, it will reduce travel time and improve vehicle speed, ensuring better connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh. This improved infrastructure will not only facilitate defense logistics but also boost economic growth and promote socio-cultural integration in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, he said.