Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Jan 13: Thousands gathered today at the scenic tourist destination of Sonamarg in Ganderbal district in sub-zero temperatures to witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate the 6.5-kilometer Sonamarg tunnel.
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As dawn broke today, despite temperatures dropping to minus 12 degrees Celsius, people braved the cold to welcome the Prime Minister, hear his address, and celebrate the “fulfilment of their dream” to make Sonamarg an all-weather destination. For the first time, Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway will remain open during the winter.
Upon his arrival at Sonamarg, marking his first visit since the formation of the Omar-led National Conference government last October, the Prime Minister received a warm welcome.
“We are happy today that our prayers have been answered. Seeing the Prime Minister inaugurate this tunnel has doubled our happiness,” said one Bashir Amad.
The people said that the development would transform the local economy by boosting tourism and creating new livelihood opportunities. “This tunnel is a blessing for us. Sonamarg was cut off from the rest of the world from November to April, but now, it will remain accessible in winter. Tourism will flourish, benefiting pony operators, taxi drivers and hotel owners,” Farooq Ahmad, a resident, said.
“Many in Ganderbal, especially in villages like Sonamarg, Kullan, Gagangir, Gund and Kangan, depend on tourism. Previously, they suffered losses in winter, but this tunnel will change that.”
Another local highlighted the broader benefits. “During heavy snowfall, this region was out of bounds. Now, this tunnel will benefit employees, students and underprivileged sections of society,” he said.
Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, emphasized the broader implications, saying “With excellent snowfall, Sonamarg can emerge as a premier ski destination. Together with the Zojila tunnel, it ensures year-round connectivity to Ladakh. This has been a long-pending demand,” he said.
The Z-Morh project, costing Rs. 2,400 crore began in 2020. The tunnel is part of a broader infrastructure initiative that includes the 13.5-km Zojila tunnel, slated for completion in December 2026. Together, these projects will ensure all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, which often faces severe winter disruptions.
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