Sonmarg, Jan 13, ANB: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said with the opening of Sonamarg Tunnel (Z-Morh) , a new chapter has begun in the history of J&K. “I am grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the people of UT and creating an environment which is enabling common man to flourish and live a dignified life,” he said.
According to the Associated News Bureau, Sinha said Sonamarg tunnel is the "Bhagya Rekha" (lifeline) for J&K, enabling year-round connectivity to the picturesque Sonamarg, adding, it will be a Game-Changer for the local economy, winter tourism and also create new avenues of livelihood & trade in the region.
“This ground-breaking project is a testament to the Government's commitment to rapid and inclusive development of the UT of Jammu Kashmir. The opening of this tunnel will not only change the fortunes of the tourism sector in Sonamarg but will also change the social and economic condition of this area,” The LG said.
Sinha paid homage to workers of the Sonamarg Tunnel project martyred in Gagangir terror attack. "Today, we have also taken a big leap from a strategic point of view and have provided strong infrastructure support to facilitate the movement of our Armed Forces. The under-construction Zojila tunnel, likely to be completed by 2026, will also ensure connectivity to Ladakh throughout the year and uninterrupted essential services to remote areas,” he said.
Sinha highlighted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, J&K is witnessing an unprecedented road and tunnel infrastructure development.
· Around Rs 1.5 lakh crores worth Road and Highways projects are underway in Jammu Kashmir.
· Work is going on at a fast pace on the Delhi- Amritsar- Katra Expressway. Baramulla-Kupwara-Trehgam National Highway, Baramulla-Uri Highway, Pattan Bypass, Baramulla Bypass and many other projects are aimed at strengthening the road connectivity in the UT.
· The construction work of 8 tunnel projects is going on at a rapid pace and is likely to be completed by December 2025.
· Work on Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnel and Singhpora-Velu Tunnel is being started.
· Around 144 road and bridge projects have been started under NABARD.
He said the dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari through railway network will soon become a reality. The opening of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link will usher in a new era of socio-economic development and national integration.
The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km 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 enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region. (ANB)
