Srinagar Jan 11 (KNS): The Sonamarg Tunnel (earlier known as Z-Morh Tunnel), a progressive infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir with a total cost of ?2,717 crore, is redefining regional connectivity and economic advancement. Stretching up to 12 km (Tunnel length: 6.4 km + Approach Road: 5.6 km), this two-lane bi-directional tunnel creates a vital connection between Gagangir and Sonamarg, ensuring all-weather and safe connectivity. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will formally dedicate the tunnel to the nation on Monday, 13th January 2025, in a ceremony attended by Union and state ministers, as well as senior government officials.

Avalanches in Jammu and Kashmir have long disrupted daily life, blocking roads, isolating communities, and hindering the movement of residents, army personnel, and tourists. For instance, in February 2005, a series of avalanches led to widespread devastation, severely impacting local economies and security operations. Developed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), this remarkable engineering feat ensures year-round connectivity by bypassing routes historically prone to avalanches and heavy snowfall.

A Testament to India's Infrastructural Marvel

The Sonamarg Tunnel is not just an engineering marvel; it marks a transformative leap in Jammu and Kashmir's development narrative. By strengthening trade, tourism, and local livelihoods while ensuring uninterrupted access and strategic security, the tunnel stands as a testament to India's infrastructural excellence under NHIDCL's conceptualized development. This milestone project sets a new standard for future infrastructure endeavors in the region and across the country.
Furthermore, the route between Srinagar and Leh is challenging due to unforeseen weather conditions, often causing road closures that disrupt connectivity. The infrastructure development of the Sonamarg Tunnel (6.4 km) and the upcoming Zojila Tunnel (13.1 Km) aim to provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh bypassing snow and avalanche-prone areas, enhancing safety, and reducing travel disruptions.

Transforming the Regional Economy

The tunnel will significantly influence the region’s economic landscape by improving the transportation of goods and essential services.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelBy eliminating logistical barriers, it will enable faster movement of perishable goods while supporting local producers and traders through better market access. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways projects a 30% increase in trade volumes after the tunnel's opening. Once operational, it is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities across tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure maintenance sectors.

Unlocking Tourism Potential

The tunnel's completion is also groundbreaking for the tourism sector. Previously, Sonamarg was largely inaccessible during winter months, limiting its tourism potential. With all-weather access, the region is projected to experience a 40% rise in winter tourism, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department. Enhanced accessibility opens new avenues for winter sports and adventure tourism, including skiing and snow trekking, directly contributing to the local economy. This tourism boost is further expected to create jobs in hospitality, tourism services, and local handicrafts, uplifting small businesses and artisans.

The Sonamarg Tunnel is set to revolutionize regional connectivity by reducing travel time between Gagangir and Sonamarg. Developed by NHIDCL, it ensures year-round access, bypassing landslide- and snowfall-prone routes. The three-lane design of the approach road of the tunnel will optimize traffic management by enabling the seamless movement of slow-moving vehicles while allowing faster-moving traffic to bypass without obstruction, thereby mitigating congestion and preventing traffic bottlenecks previously caused by heavy or slow-moving vehicles.

Similar to this infrastructure marvel, the NHIDCL is also advancing connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir by constructing NH-244, a vital route designed to bypass the landslide-prone NH-44 that connects Jammu and Srinagar. This strategic project, which enhances accessibility and resilience in the Kashmir valley, stretches from Vailoo to Alstop, seamlessly joining NH-44. The construction work on this transformative route has been successfully completed, echoing the innovative spirit needed for sustainable infrastructure development in challenging terrains.

Beyond connectivity, the tunnel drives economic growth by boosting trade, tourism, and employment opportunities. It will also enhance strategic security by ensuring uninterrupted Defence access, cementing its role as a transformative project in India’s infrastructural advancement. (KNS)