PM inaugurates Sonamarg tunnel
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Jan 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the much-awaited strategic Sonamarg tunnel that will make the tourist resort accessible throughout the year.
Union Ministers Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Dr Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
After inauguration, the Prime Minister along with the other leaders and officials toured the tunnel.
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He commended the efforts of engineers and construction workers, who worked relentlessly to make Sonamarg tunnel a reality. He interacted with them and clicked photographs.
Workers also briefed the PM about how the tunnel was constructed amid challenges. The PM later in his address paid rich tribute to the seven individuals of the tunnel project who lost their lives in a terror attack in Gagangeer in October last year. “Despite being targeted, workers remained steadfast on their resolve to complete this important project.”
He praised the construction workers for their commitment and sincerity.
Later addressing a rally, Modi reaffirmed his commitment to make J&K more beautiful.
“Kashmir is the crown of India, and I want this crown to become even more beautiful. The dream of a developed India will be realized when its crown, Kashmir, is adorned with the jewels of progress,” he added.
The PM asserted that he would keep promises he had made to the people of J&K. “This is Modi who keeps his promises. And right things are going to happen at the right time,” he said. Click here to watch video
The PM said that the continuous support from the youth, elders, and children of the region has helped him to build New Jammu and Kashmir.
Modi emphasized that the people of J&K are working diligently to turn their dreams into reality, contributing to the progress of the region and the nation.
The PM said that the tunnel will prove to be a game changer. “This tunnel is not just a piece of infrastructure; it is a game changer that will boost tourism and provide new opportunities for the people,” he said.
Modi said his Government began the construction of this tunnel in 2015 and completed it within its tenure, staying true to its policy of inaugurating what it starts.
He said the tunnel was a long-standing demand of the people of J&K and Ladakh. “This tunnel will significantly ease the lives of people in Sonamarg, Kargil and Leh. It will reduce the difficulties faced during avalanches, heavy snowfall and landslides, which often led to road closures. The tunnel will improve access to major hospitals and ensure the availability of essential supplies, thereby reducing the challenges faced by the residents,” he said.
The Sonamarg tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore and 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, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.
It will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.
Along with the Zojila tunnel, set for completion by 2028, it will reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and boost vehicle speed from 30 km per hour to 70 km per hour, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh.
This enhanced connectivity will boost defence logistics, drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The PM said that numerous road and rail connectivity projects are set to be completed in J&K in the coming days.
He mentioned another major connectivity project underway nearby and noted the excitement surrounding the upcoming rail connection to Kashmir.
Modi highlighted the development of new roads, railways, hospitals, and colleges as part of the new J&K.
He detailed the transformative projects undertaken in J&K, including Rs 42,000 crore worth of road connectivity projects, 14 tunnels under construction, and the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab river.
The PM mentioned several key projects, including the cable bridge enhancing Kashmir’s railway connectivity, the Zojila, Chenani Nashri, and Sonamarg tunnel projects, and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project.
Modi also mentioned the schemes for the Shankaracharya Temple, Shivkhori, and Baltal-Amarnath ropeways, as well as the Katra-Delhi expressway.
The PM emphasized on tourism thriving in J&K and over 2 crore tourists visited the region last year. “With Sonamarg seeing a sixfold increase in tourists over the past 10 years”, he noted.
Modi emphasized that this growth has benefited local businesses, including hotels, homestays, dhabas, clothing shops and taxi services.
He also said the dream of ‘Viksit Bharat’ will be achieved only when this crown is bedecked with jewels.
Modi underlined the significant contribution of the tourism sector to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. “The improved connectivity will allow tourists to reach previously untouched and unexplored areas of J&K.” he said.
He noted the peace and progress achieved in J&K over the past decade has benefited the tourism sector.
Modi said that Kashmir has regained its identity as the paradise on earth and Lal Chowk remains vibrant even during the night.
“J&K of the 21st century is scripting a new chapter of development. It’s leaving behind the difficult days of the past. People now enjoy ice cream at Lal Chowk even at night, and the area remains lively,” he said.
The PM praised the local artists for transforming Polo View Market into a new habitat centre, with musicians, artists, and singers frequently performing there.
Modi said that people in Srinagar now comfortably watch movies with their families in cinema halls and shop with ease.
He emphasized that such significant changes cannot be achieved by the government alone and credited the people of J&K for strengthening democracy and securing their future.
The PM said that the recent international cricket league held in the region after 40 years and car racing scenes around the beautiful Dal lake.
He said that Gulmarg was becoming the winter games capital of India, having hosted four Khelo India Winter Games, with the fifth edition starting next month.
Over the past two years, the PM noted that 2,500 athletes from across the country have participated in various sports tournaments in J&K.
Modi said that more than 4 crore poor families across the country, including J&K, have received permanent houses.
He announced that an additional 3 crore new houses will be provided to the poor in the coming years. “Millions of people in India are receiving free medical treatment, benefiting the people of J&K as well”.
The PM highlighted the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, Medical Colleges, Nursing Colleges, and Polytechnic Colleges across the country to support the education of the youth.
In J&K, he said that several top-notch educational institutes were established in the past decade, greatly benefiting the local youth.
The PM remarked about the first international marathon held in Srinagar a few months ago, which brought immense joy to those who witnessed it.
He also recalled the viral video of Omar participating in the marathon and their enthusiastic discussion about it during a meeting in Delhi.
Modi remarked that the construction of AIIMS in Jammu and Awantipora was progressing rapidly, reducing the need to travel to other parts of the country for medical treatment. He noted that IIT, IIM, and Central University campuses in Jammu were providing excellent education.
He emphasized the role of local artisans and craftsmen, supported by the PM Vishwakarma scheme and other initiatives by the Jammu and Kashmir government.
The PM highlighted the continuous efforts to attract new industries to the region, with investments of around Rs 13,000 crore, creating thousands of jobs for the youth.
Modi lauded the improved performance of J&K Bank, with its business growing from Rs 1.6 lakh crore to Rs 2.3 lakh crore in the past four years. He remarked that the bank’s increased capacity to provide loans benefits the youth, farmers, orchardists, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs in the region.
The PM remarked that there was a festive atmosphere across the country. He remarked on the commencement of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where millions are gathering for the holy bath.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the celebration of Lohri in Punjab and other parts of North India, as well as festivals like Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal. He extended his best wishes to everyone celebrating these festivals.
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