Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, January 13, to open the new Sonamarg Tunnel. He will arrive in Sonamarg at around 11:45 AM and will speak to the people after the inauguration.
The Sonamarg Tunnel is about 12 kilometers long and cost over Rs 2,700 crore to build. It features the main tunnel, which is 6.4 kilometers long, along with other roads to access it. This tunnel is located high up, more than 8,650 feet above sea level. It will provide safe travel between Srinagar and Sonamarg, making it easier to reach the important region of Ladakh, especially during bad weather.
In addition to improving travel, the tunnel will also help boost tourism in Sonamarg, making it a place that people can visit throughout the year. This will help local businesses and create more job opportunities in winter sports and adventure activities.
With the upcoming Zojila Tunnel set to finish by 2028, the distance from Srinagar to Leh will drop from 49 kilometers to just 43 kilometers, and people will be able to travel faster, going from 30 kilometers per hour to 70 kilometers per hour. This will not only help tourists but also support the Indian Army by making it easier to transport goods and supplies.
During his visit, the Prime Minister will also meet the construction workers who have worked hard in tough conditions to complete this important project. He expressed his excitement about this trip, saying he looks forward to seeing the benefits it will bring for tourism and the local economy. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also visited Sonamarg recently to check the preparations for the Prime Minister’s arrival, emphasizing how the tunnel will help turn Sonamarg into a fantastic ski resort.
Leave a Reply