PM Modi Inaugurates 12-Km Long Sonamarg Tunnel in J&K to Boost Tourism
In a landmark event for Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure and tourism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 12-kilometre-long Sonamarg Tunnel on January 13, 2025. This highly-anticipated project is set to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, eventually extending to Leh, Ladakh.
Constructed at a cost of over ₹2,700 crore, the Sonamarg Tunnel includes a 6.5-km Z-Morh main tunnel, an egress tunnel, and advanced approach roads. Located at an altitude of 8,650 feet, the tunnel bypasses landslide-prone and avalanche-affected areas, ensuring safer and more reliable access to the strategically significant Ladakh region.
Boosting Tourism and Local Livelihoods
The tunnel is a boon for tourism, as it transforms Sonamarg into a year-round destination. Previously inaccessible during harsh winters, the region will now host winter sports and adventure activities, rivaling popular skiing destinations like Gulmarg.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the tunnel’s potential to uplift local communities, stating, “The local population will no longer need to migrate in winter, and travel to Kargil and Leh will become much quicker.”
Enhanced Defence and Economic Connectivity
The tunnel’s strategic importance extends to defence logistics, enabling seamless movement of goods and personnel to the Ladakh region. Once the accompanying Zojila Tunnel is completed by 2028, travel time between Srinagar and Leh will be further reduced, with speeds increasing from 30 km/h to 70 km/h.
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During the inauguration, PM Modi expressed his excitement about the transformative impact of the tunnel on tourism and the economy. He also addressed a rally and met workers involved in the project’s construction. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were present at the ceremony, further emphasizing the project’s national significance.
The Sonamarg Tunnel stands as a testament to India’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic integration in Jammu and Kashmir. By ensuring safer travel and fostering tourism, the tunnel promises to uplift the region’s economy and strengthen its connectivity with the rest of the country.
