The inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks the beginning of transformative infrastructure development in the region. This milestone is expected to significantly enhance tourism and reduce travel time between Srinagar and Leh. On Monday, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari outlined timelines for over a dozen key projects, including highways, tunnels, and ropeways, collectively valued at $12 billion.
Speaking at Sonamarg, PM Modi highlighted J&K’s emergence as a hub for advanced infrastructure like tunnels, high-bridges, and ropeways. He lauded the Chenab Bridge as an engineering marvel, noting that a passenger train trial run was recently conducted. Additionally, he announced ropeway projects for the Shankaracharya temple, Shivkhori, and Baltal-Amarnath, along with ongoing projects worth over $5 billion, including four national highways and two ring roads. With more than 14 tunnels under construction, Modi emphasized that J&K is on its way to becoming one of India’s most connected regions.
Minister Gadkari underscored the importance of infrastructure in driving prosperity. He stated that industries, tourism, and business thrive when improvements are made to water, power, transport, and communication systems. The government’s emphasis on infrastructure aims to boost growth and create employment opportunities.
Gadkari also discussed the under-construction 14-km-long Zojila tunnel, which will reduce travel time between Srinagar and Leh by three and a half hours, ensuring all-season connectivity. He further announced the completion of two major ring road projects for Jammu and Srinagar within the next one and a half years. These initiatives are set to transform J&K into a beacon of development and connectivity.
