Srinagar: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Sonmarg visit, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sunil Sharma on Sunday said that it is going to be a “historic day” for Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the Central government will soon inaugurate the Zojila Tunnel as well.
“Tomorrow is going to be a historic day for J&K. PM Modi will do the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel…This was an important route that used to remain closed but from tomorrow it will open…BJP will not stop here; soon the Zojila Tunnel will also be also inaugurated. A much-awaited dream is going to be fulfilled tomorrow,” said the BJP leader.
Notably, PM Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Monday to inaugurate the Sonamarg Tunnel. The project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. PM Modi is expected to reach Sonamarg at around 11:45 AM on January 13. He will also address the gathering after the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel.
It comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km in 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, the PMO stated.
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 hr to 70 km per hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh. This enhanced connectivity will boost defence logistics and drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Prime Minister will also meet the construction workers who have worked meticulously in the harshest conditions, acknowledging their contribution to this engineering feat.
