The inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel marks a new chapter in Jammu & Kashmir’s infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the landmark Sonamarg tunnel, heralding it as a crucial milestone in Jammu & Kashmir’s infrastructure revolution. The tunnel, designed to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, is expected to significantly boost tourism and reduce travel time between the two cities.
Addressing a public gathering, Modi highlighted J&K’s transformation into a hub of engineering marvels, including some of the world’s highest tunnels and bridges. He cited the iconic Chenab Bridge as a testament to this progress, with a successful trial run of a passenger train already conducted.
The Prime Minister also announced key connectivity projects worth over Rs 42,000 crore, including four national highways, two ring roads, and multiple ropeways. Among these are ropeway projects for the Shankaracharya Temple, Shivkhori, and Baltal-Amarnath routes. With over 14 tunnels under construction, Modi emphasised that J&K is poised to become “one of the most connected regions in the country.”
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure-led growth, underscoring that projects worth approximately Rs 1 lakh crore are in progress in J&K. Gadkari highlighted the under-construction 14-km Zojila tunnel, which will reduce travel time between Srinagar and Leh by 3.5 hours and ensure year-round connectivity.
Gadkari also announced timelines for key projects, including ring roads for Jammu and Srinagar, set to be completed within 1.5 years. He emphasized that improved water, power, transport, and communication infrastructure are essential for fostering industrial growth, tourism, and employment opportunities in the region.
With these transformative projects, J&K is on track to emerge as a model of connectivity and development, strengthening its position as a key contributor to India’s prosperity.
