Tourism statistics released by the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department

PM Modi Inaugurates Rs 2,717 Crore Sonamarg Tunnel, Providing All-Weather Connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir

Jan 13, 2025, 07:57 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the 6.5-kilometer Sonamarg Tunnel, previously known as the Z-Morh Tunnel, in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district. Located at an altitude of 8,650 feet and constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,717 crore, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and the tourist destination of Sonamarg, which was previously inaccessible during winter months due to heavy snowfall. The tunnel can handle up to a thousand vehicles per hour, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating travel to Kargil and Leh. The inauguration was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who praised PM Modi for fulfilling his promise of completing the tunnel. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the government's commitment to improving infrastructure to drive economic growth. PM Modi emphasized the importance of infrastructure development in achieving a developed India by 2047. He noted that the tunnel would not only facilitate travel but also contribute to the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel's opening is expected to boost tourism, strengthen defense infrastructure, and bridge the gap between the region and the rest of the country.