The Sonamarg Tunnel: Transforming J&K's Economic Landscape
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Synopsis
The Sonamarg Tunnel, inaugurated by PM Modi, is set to revolutionize J&K's economy by enhancing accessibility and boosting tourism, trade, and job opportunities for locals.
Key Takeaways
- Sonamarg tunnel enhances accessibility to Sonamarg.
- Constructed at an altitude of 8,562 feet.
- Cost of Rs 2,700 crore.
- Will boost local employment opportunities.
- Expected to transform Sonamarg into a prominent ski resort.
Srinagar, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Sonamarg tunnel, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, stands as a pivotal economic milestone with benefits that extend both in the immediate and distant future.
Situated at an elevation of 8,562 feet in the Gagangir region of J&K’s Ganderbal district, this 6.4 km double-lane tunnel has been constructed at an impressive cost of Rs 2,700 crore.
This tunnel circumvents the Gagangir-Sonamarg segment of the Srinagar-Sonamarg route, which is vulnerable to avalanches and heavy snowfall during winter, often rendering the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg inaccessible to both visitors and locals. Historically, the residents of Sonamarg and Neelgrad villages would relocate to lower elevations in the Ganderbal district during winter months due to inaccessibility. This trend will no longer be necessary.
With the establishment of the Sonamarg tunnel, this area is poised to evolve into a globally recognized ski resort, second only to Gulmarg, thanks to its steep slopes and pristine snow-covered meadows.
The Sonamarg tunnel is set to create numerous job opportunities for local youth, providing continuous employment for pony wallahs, sledge operators, and tour operators, while also enhancing the local economy through increased trade and tourism.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) oversaw the construction of the Z-Morh tunnel by APCO Infratech Private Ltd.
Upon the completion of the Zojila tunnel across the Zojila Pass, it will facilitate year-round access from Sonamarg to Dras in Kargil district.
National Highway-1 links Kashmir with Ladakh and is located south of the Line of Control (LOC). This highway was targeted during the 1999 Kargil conflict and holds strategic importance in connecting the northern regions of India - Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Zojila tunnel will commence from Baltal in Ganderbal district and extend to Minimarg in Dras, featuring an approach road of 18 km. It is expected to be completed by 2028.
