In a historic moment for infrastructure and regional development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir on January 13, 2025. The project is hailed as a transformative step towards enhancing connectivity and bolstering tourism in the region, marking a milestone in India’s progress.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd in the picturesque Sonamarg valley, the Prime Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the laborers who worked tirelessly, often in perilous conditions, to bring this project to fruition. Acknowledging their sacrifices, he remarked, “Despite numerous challenges, our resolve remained unwavering.” He also offered condolences for the loss of seven workers during the project’s execution, emphasizing their invaluable contribution to nation-building.
The Sonamarg Tunnel, spanning 6.4 kilometers, stands as a marvel of engineering at an altitude of 8,650 feet. This state-of-the-art infrastructure ensures all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, a route often disrupted by landslides and avalanches. The tunnel not only provides safer passage but also reduces travel time and boosts access to critical areas like Kargil and Leh. Additionally, it promises uninterrupted supply chains and emergency services, revolutionizing life for the residents of these regions.
“With this tunnel, we are not just building roads; we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for Jammu & Kashmir,” said the Prime Minister. He underscored the tunnel’s potential to make Sonamarg a year-round tourist destination, transforming it into a hub for winter tourism and adventure sports.
Prime Minister Modi reflected on his earlier visits to the region and lauded its breathtaking beauty and resilient people. “Kashmir is the crown of India. I want this crown to shine brighter with prosperity and peace,” he declared. He also reminisced about his time in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and other iconic locations, marveling at the region’s transformation into a modern-day paradise.
Jammu & Kashmir is scripting a new chapter of development in the 21st century, with significant strides in infrastructure. From roads and railways to hospitals and educational institutions, the region is undergoing a renaissance. “Today, we are building not just infrastructure but dreams and aspirations for the youth of Jammu & Kashmir,” Modi affirmed.
Highlighting the region’s pivotal role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, the Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to inclusivity. Under the “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” initiative, over 4 crore families across the country, including Jammu & Kashmir, have benefited from permanent housing. Additionally, he announced plans to construct another 3 crore houses for the underprivileged in the coming years.
The tunnel is part of a broader vision that includes other mega projects like the Zojila Tunnel, Chenab Bridge, and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link. These initiatives aim to establish Jammu & Kashmir as a connectivity hub, fostering defense logistics, economic growth, and socio-cultural integration.
Tourism has witnessed unprecedented growth in Jammu & Kashmir, with over 2 crore visitors in 2024. Sonamarg alone has seen a sixfold increase in tourist numbers over the past decade. This surge has revitalized local businesses, including hotels, homestays, and traditional crafts. “The people of Jammu & Kashmir are regaining their pride as custodians of ‘Paradise on Earth,’” Modi said.
He also noted the region’s burgeoning cultural and sports scene. Recent highlights include the first international marathon in Srinagar, an international cricket league, and Gulmarg’s emergence as the winter games capital of India. With over 90 Khelo India Centers training 4,500 youth, the region is fast becoming a sports powerhouse.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the establishment of premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS in Jammu & Kashmir. These initiatives aim to equip the youth with world-class education and healthcare facilities. He also emphasized the government’s efforts to attract industries, resulting in investments worth ₹13,000 crore and thousands of new jobs.
As he concluded his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed his unwavering commitment to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. “The dream of a developed India will only be complete when Kashmir—our crown jewel—is adorned with the jewels of progress and prosperity,” he said. His words resonated with optimism and a vision for a harmonious, thriving Jammu & Kashmir, ready to take its place on the global stage.
Constructed at a cost of over ₹2,700 crore, the Sonamarg Tunnel is a crucial link in the Srinagar-Leh corridor. Alongside the Zojila Tunnel, slated for completion by 2028, it will enhance defense logistics and economic integration. The project not only bridges distances but also opens new horizons for Jammu & Kashmir, making it a beacon of progress and innovation.
