The inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel marks the beginning of a transformative era in Jammu and Kashmir . I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the people of this Union Territory, fostering an environment where the common man can thrive and live with dignity. The Sonamarg Tunnel is a “Bhagya Rekha” (lifeline) for J&K, ensuring year-round connectivity to the picturesque Sonamarg. It is a game-changer for the region’s economy, winter tourism, and will open new avenues for livelihood and trade. Under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, J&K is progressing towards a prosperous future. From a region scarred by adversity, he has brought hope, turning J&K from a place of conflict to one where tourism is the focus, not terrorism.
This monumental project stands as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to the rapid and inclusive development of J&K. The Sonamarg Tunnel will not only boost the fortunes of the tourism sector in Sonamarg but will also positively impact the region’s social and economic landscape. I also pay tribute to the brave workers of the Sonamarg Tunnel project, who tragically lost their lives in the Gagangir terror attack. Today, we take a significant step in strengthening our national security infrastructure, facilitating the movement of our armed forces. Additionally, the under-construction Zojila Tunnel, expected to be completed by 2026, will ensure uninterrupted connectivity to Ladakh, providing essential services to remote areas year-round.
The region is undergoing an unprecedented expansion in infrastructure, driven by a new industrial revolution, improved roads, a strengthened democracy at the grassroots level, and a revolution in agriculture and horticulture. These efforts have laid the foundation for a self-reliant and developed Jammu and Kashmir. Peace and stability have revitalized the tourism sector, with foreign tourist arrivals increasing by 300%. J&K recorded 2.35 crore tourist visits in 2024, a significant jump from 2.11 lakh tourists in 2023. Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the region is experiencing unparalleled progress in road and tunnel infrastructure.
Around Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth of road and highway projects are underway in J&K. Rapid construction is underway on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, as well as the Baramulla-Kupwara-Trehgam National Highway, Baramulla-Uri Highway, Pattan Bypass, and Baramulla Bypass, all aimed at strengthening the region’s road connectivity. Construction is underway for 8 tunnel projects, with completion expected by December 2025. The Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnel and Singhpora-Velu Tunnel will soon commence construction. Around 144 road and bridge projects are being executed under NABARD. More than 99% of villages in J&K are now connected by road under the PMGSY. The remaining 9 villages will soon be linked to the mainstream of socio-economic development.
The dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari via a railway network is on the brink of realization, with the opening of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, which will usher in a new era of socio-economic development and national integration.
The Sonamarg Tunnel, approximately 12 km in length, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It consists of the 6.4 km Sonamarg main tunnel, an egress tunnel, and associated approach roads. Located at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, bypassing the landslide- and avalanche-prone routes, ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically important Ladakh region.