Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir
Delighted to be amongst the wonderful people of Sonamarg, With the opening of the tunnel here, connectivity will significantly improve and tourism will see a major boost in Jammu and Kashmir: PM
The Sonamarg Tunnel will give a significant boost to connectivity and tourism:
PM
Improved connectivity will open doors for tourists to explore lesser-known
regions of Jammu and Kashmir: PM
Jammu and Kashmir of the 21st century is scripting a new chapter of
development: PM
Kashmir is the crown of the country, the crown of India, I want this crown to
be more beautiful and prosperous: PM
The Prime
Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir
today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he thanked the labourers who
have worked hard and also put their lives at stake for the development of Jammu
and Kashmir and India. Modi remarked “Despite the challenges, our resolve did
not waver”. He lauded the labourers for their resolve and commitment and for
tackling all the obstacles to complete the work. He also condoled the demise of
7 labourers.
Hailing the beautiful snow-covered mountains and the
delightful weather, Modi said that his eagerness to visit Jammu & Kashmir
increased after seeing the recent pictures shared by the Chief Minister of
Jammu & Kashmir on social media. The Prime Minister reminisced about his
earlier days when he frequently visited the region while working for his party.
He mentioned spending considerable time in areas like Sonamarg, Gulmarg,
Ganderbal, and Baramulla, often walking for hours and covering several
kilometers. He added that despite the heavy snowfall, the warmth of the people
of Jammu and Kashmir made the cold unnoticeable.
Acknowledging that today was a special day, the Prime
Minister remarked that there was a festive atmosphere across the country. He
remarked on the commencement of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, where millions are
gathering for the holy bath. The Prime Minister also mentioned the celebration
of Lohri in Punjab and other parts of North India, as well as festivals like
Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal. He extended his best wishes to everyone
celebrating these festivals. The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenging
40-day period of Chillaikalan in the valley and praised the resilience of the
people. He highlighted that this season brings new opportunities for tourist
destinations like Sonamarg, attracting visitors from across the country who
enjoy the hospitality of the people of Kashmir.
Prime Minister announced a significant gift for the
people, highlighting the recent foundation stone laying of the Jammu Rail
Division. He remarked that this was a long-standing demand of the people.
Announcing the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel and fulfilling a
long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Shri Modi
highlighted that this tunnel will significantly ease the lives of people in
Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh. The Prime Minister remarked that the tunnel will
reduce the difficulties faced during avalanches, heavy snowfall and landslides,
which often led to road closures. He emphasized that the tunnel will improve
access to major hospitals and ensure the availability of essential supplies,
thereby reducing the challenges faced by the residents.
The Prime Minister noted that the actual construction of
the Sonamarg Tunnel began in 2015 after their Government came into power. He
was pleased that the tunnel's construction was completed under their
administration. He remarked that the tunnel will maintain connectivity to
Sonamarg during the winter season and boost tourism in the entire region. He
emphasized that numerous road and rail connectivity projects are set to be
completed in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days. The Prime Minister mentioned
another major connectivity project underway nearby and noted the excitement
surrounding the upcoming rail connection to the Kashmir Valley. He highlighted
the development of new roads, railways, hospitals, and colleges as part of the
new Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt
congratulations to everyone for the tunnel and the new era of development.
Highlighting India's progress towards becoming a
developed nation by 2047, emphasizing that no region or family should be left
behind, Shri Modi remarked that the government is working with the spirit of
"Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and over the past 10 years, more than 4
crore poor families across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, have
received permanent houses. He announced that an additional 3 crore new houses
will be provided to the poor in the coming years. The Prime Minister noted that
millions of people in India are receiving free medical treatment, benefiting
the people of Jammu and Kashmir as well. He highlighted the establishment of
new IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, medical colleges, nursing colleges, and polytechnic
colleges across the country to support the education of the youth. In Jammu and
Kashmir, he added that several top-notch educational institutes were
established in the past decade, greatly benefiting the local youth.
Emphasising the extensive infrastructure development from
Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister remarked that Jammu
and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, high bridges, and ropeways, with some
of the world's highest tunnels and highest rail-road bridges being constructed
here. The Prime Minister noted the engineering marvel of the Chenab Bridge,
where a passenger train trial was recently completed. He mentioned several key
projects, including the cable bridge enhancing Kashmir's railway connectivity,
the Zojila, Chenani Nashri, and Sonamarg tunnel projects, and the
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. The Prime Minister also
mentioned the schemes for the Shankaracharya Temple, Shivkhori, and
Baltal-Amarnath ropeways, as well as the Katra-Delhi expressway. He emphasized
that over ₹42,000 crore worth of road connectivity projects are underway in
Jammu and Kashmir, including four national highway projects and two ring roads.
The Prime Minister remarked that more than 14 tunnels like Sonamarg are being
constructed, making Jammu and Kashmir one of the most connected regions in the
country.
Underlining the significant contribution of the tourism
sector to India's journey towards becoming a developed nation, the Prime
Minister remarked that improved connectivity will allow tourists to reach
previously untouched and unexplored areas of Jammu and Kashmir. He noted the
peace and progress achieved in the region over the past decade, which has
already benefited the tourism sector. “In 2024, more than 2 crore tourists
visited Jammu and Kashmir, with Sonamarg seeing a six fold increase in tourists
over the past ten years”, noted Shri Modi. He emphasized that this growth has
benefited local businesses, including hotels, homestays, dhabas, clothing
shops, and taxi services.
“Jammu and Kashmir of the 21st century is scripting a new
chapter of development”, said Shri Modi. He remarked that the region is
regaining its identity as "Paradise on Earth," leaving behind the
difficult days of the past. The Prime Minister noted that people now enjoy ice
cream at Lal Chowk even at night, and the area remains lively. He praised the
local artists for transforming Polo View Market into a new habitat center, with
musicians, artists, and singers frequently performing there. The Prime Minister
observed that people in Srinagar now comfortably watch movies with their
families in cinema halls and shop with ease. He emphasized that such
significant changes cannot be achieved by the government alone and credited the
people of Jammu and Kashmir for strengthening democracy and securing their
future.
Highlighting the bright future for the youth of Jammu and
Kashmir and emphasizing the numerous opportunities in sports, the Prime
Minister remarked about the first international marathon held in Srinagar a few
months ago, which brought immense joy to those who witnessed it. He also
recalled the viral video of the Chief Minister participating in the marathon
and their enthusiastic discussion about it during a meeting in Delhi.
Acknowledging that it was truly the new era of Jammu and
Kashmir, Modi mentioned the recent international cricket league held in the
region after forty years and car racing scenes around the beautiful Dal Lake.
He said that Gulmarg was becoming the winter games capital of India, having
hosted four Khelo India Winter Games, with the fifth edition starting next
month. Over the past two years, the Prime Minister noted that 2,500 athletes
from across the country have participated in various sports tournaments in
Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the establishment of over 90 Khelo India
Centers in the region, providing training to 4,500 local youth.
Touching upon the new opportunities emerging for the
youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister remarked that the construction
of AIIMS in Jammu and Avantipora was progressing rapidly, reducing the need to
travel to other parts of the country for medical treatment. The Prime Minister
noted that IIT, IIM, and Central University campuses in Jammu were providing
excellent education. He emphasized the role of local artisans and craftsmen,
supported by the PM Vishwakarma scheme and other initiatives by the Jammu and
Kashmir government. The Prime Minister highlighted the continuous efforts to
attract new industries to the region, with investments of around ₹13,000 crore,
creating thousands of jobs for the youth. The Prime Minister also lauded the
improved performance of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, with its business growing from
₹1.6 lakh crore to ₹2.3 lakh crore in the past four years. He remarked that the
bank's increased capacity to provide loans benefits the youth, farmers,
orchardists, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs in the region.
Remarking on the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir's
past into a present of development, Modi said that the dream of a developed
India will be realized when its crown, Kashmir, is adorned with the jewels of
progress. He expressed his desire for Kashmir to become even more beautiful and
prosperous. He noted the continuous support from the youth, elders, and
children of the region in this endeavour. The Prime Minister emphasized that
the people of Jammu and Kashmir are working diligently to turn their dreams
into reality, contributing to the progress of the region and the nation.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister assured the people that he will
support them unflinchingly in all their endeavours and extended his heartfelt
congratulations to every family in Jammu and Kashmir for the development
projects.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj
Sinha, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, Union Minister for
Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Union Ministers of State, Dr
Jitendra Singh and Ajay Tamta were present among other dignitaries at the event.
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. It
will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round
destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.
Along with the Zojila Tunnel, set for completion by 2028,
it will reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and boost vehicle speed
from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar
Valley and Ladakh. This enhanced connectivity will boost defense logistics,
drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu & Kashmir
and Ladakh.
Prime Minister also met the construction workers who have
worked meticulously in the harshest conditions, acknowledging their
contribution to this engineering feat.