Tunnel opening ignites winter tourism hopes for Sonamarg

Sonamarg, Jan 11: The Z-Morh Tunnel, a critical infrastructure project slated to open on January 13, has ignited hope for winter sports enthusiasts who can now expect different winter sports activities at the Sonamarg tourist destination in winter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the tunnel on January 13.

The 6.5-km tunnel is expected to revolutionise connectivity to the scenic Sonamarg area, ensuring year-round access despite the region’s harsh winter conditions. In anticipation of the opening of the Z-Morh Tunnel that will ensure round-the-year connectivity for Sonamarg, the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) has constructed a state-of-the-art ice-skating rink.

The project is aimed to enhance the tourism appeal of Sonamarg and provide local youth with a dedicated platform for winter sports activities.

Officials said that the ice skating rink has already attracted attention, drawing thousands of students and enthusiasts from across various states. This initiative is positioning Sonamarg as a prominent winter sports destination with the rink set to become a hub for both locals and visitors.

The local youth have expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming events.

“Ice skating has always been something I dreamed of trying,” said Shabir Ahmad of Sonamarg. “Thanks to the efforts of the SDA, I now have an opportunity to learn and enjoy this beautiful winter sport.”

He said that Sonamarg had much to offer in the winter season.

“The ice skating will not only enhance the experience for tourists but also provide youth with new opportunities in the sports and hospitality sectors,” Ahmad said.

Sonamarg which remains abuzz with a huge flow of local as well as non-local tourists in the summers receives heavy snowfall during winter months.

The health resort used to remain closed to the public as well as traffic movement every year during winter. With the construction and completion of the Z-Morh Tunnel near Gagangir along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, the government has made an effort to keep Sonamarg open during winters and use one tube of the tunnel for emergency passage. Famous for its summer beauty, Sonamarg is now gearing up to transform into a bustling winter sports hub, aiming to establish itself as an all-weather destination.

With the opening of the Z-Morh Tunnel, which will keep the region accessible even in harsh weather, Sonamarg is poised to draw winter tourists and host a range of winter sports activities that will add to J&K’s lineup of premier winter spots.