Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir on 13th January to inaugurate the highly anticipated Sonamarg Tunnel. The inauguration ceremony will take place in late morning, following which the Prime Minister will address the gathering.

The Sonamarg Tunnel, a critical infrastructure project spanning approximately 12 kilometers, has been built at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. The tunnel, which includes the main Sonamarg tunnel, an egress tunnel, and approach roads, is located at an altitude of more than 8,650 feet above sea level. It is designed to enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, bypassing routes prone to landslides and avalanches. This will ensure safer, uninterrupted access to the strategically important Ladakh region.

The project is expected to significantly bolster tourism in the region, transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination. It is anticipated that the tunnel will boost winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods, helping to establish the area as a major tourist hub.

When combined with the Zojila Tunnel, which is set for completion in 2028, the Sonamarg Tunnel will reduce the travel distance between Srinagar and Leh from 49 km to 43 km. Additionally, vehicle speeds will increase from 30 km/h to 70 km/h, providing seamless connectivity along National Highway 1 (NH-1) between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh.

The improved connectivity is expected to have far-reaching implications for defense logistics, economic development, and socio-cultural integration between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet with the construction workers who worked tirelessly in challenging conditions, acknowledging their significant contribution to this monumental engineering achievement.