PM inaugurates 12-km Sonamarg Tunnel
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the Government’s continuous efforts to attract new industries the Jammu and Kashmir region, with investments of around Rs.13,000 crore while over Rs.42,000 crore infrastructure development contracts are in progress https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
Road connectivity projects, costing Rs.42,000+ crore, are underway in Jammu and Kashmir, including four national highway projects and two ring roads, said PM Modi, pointing out that more than 14 tunnels like Sonamarg are being constructed, making Jammu and Kashmir one of the most connected regions in the country https://www.globaltenders.com/.
The 12-km Sonamarg Tunnel, constructed at a cost of over Rs.2,700 crore, comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km length, an egress tunnel and approach roads https://ted.europa.eu/en/.
Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and av lanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region https://www.bseindia.com/.
It will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods https://www.nseindia.com/.
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/hr to 70 km/hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh https://sbi.com.in/.
PM Modi noted the engineering marvel of the Chenab Bridge, where a passenger train trial was recently completed. He 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.
This enhanced connectivity will boost defense logistics, drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
He also lauded the improved performance of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, with its business growing from Rs.1.6 lakh crore to Rs.2.3 lakh crore in the past four years.
“The bank’s increased capacity to provide loans benefits the youth, farmers, orchardists, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs in the region,” said the Prime Minister inauguration of Sonamarg tunnel on 13 Jan 2025. Fiinews.com
