Eagerly awaiting my Sonamarg visit: PM Modi

Sonamarg, Jan 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said he was eagerly waiting to visit Sonamarg for the inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel on Monday.

Replying to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s post on microblogging site X, PM Modi posted, “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!”

Earlier CM Omar visited Sonamarg to review preparations for PM Modi’s visit and besides sharing the aerial views of the tunnel entrance and the area around Sonamarg, posted on X, “Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji’s visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round. Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter and the travel time to Kargil and Leh from Srinagar will also reduce.”

An official spokesman said that PM Modi will visit Sonamarg at 11:45 am on Monday.

“He will visit the Sonamarg Tunnel which will be followed by its inauguration. He will also address the gathering on the occasion,” the spokesman said.

The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2700 crore.

It comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel, an egress tunnel and approach roads.

Situated at an altitude of over 8650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche-prone 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 per hour to 70 km per hour ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh.

This enhanced connectivity will boost defence logistics, and drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across J&K and Ladakh.

The PM will also meet the construction workers who have worked meticulously in the harshest conditions, acknowledging their contribution to this engineering feat.