The newly inaugurated Sonamarg tunnel, dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, is being hailed as a transformative project for the economy, tourism, and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. Built at a cost of ₹2,700 crore, the 6.4 km long double-lane tunnel ensures all-weather access to the picturesque town of Sonamarg, bypassing the avalanche-prone Gagangir-Sonamarg stretch of the Srinagar-Sonamarg road.
This infrastructure breakthrough will eliminate the longstanding challenge of winter isolation faced by Sonamarg and surrounding villages like Neelgrad. Previously, these areas would become inaccessible during heavy snowfall, forcing residents to migrate to lower altitudes in the Ganderbal district. The tunnel now provides uninterrupted access, enabling residents to remain in their homes year-round, significantly improving their quality of life.
Boost to tourism and employment
The Sonamarg tunnel is poised to revolutionize tourism in the region, positioning Sonamarg as a world class destination for winter sports and activities. Known for its snow-covered pastures and lofty slopes, Sonamarg has the potential to rival international ski resorts like Gulmarg.
Year-round connectivity will bolster the local economy by providing consistent work opportunities for pony operators, sledge workers, and tour operators. Experts anticipate a surge in tourist footfall, which will create jobs and encourage investments in hospitality and tourism infrastructure.
“This project will open new avenues for the local youth and strengthen the economic backbone of the region through tourism and trade,” said a senior official involved in the project.
Strategic and economic significance
The tunnel’s importance extends beyond tourism. Strategically located, it is part of the National Highway-1, which connects Kashmir with Ladakh and holds immense significance for India’s defense and logistics. The highway, which played a critical role during the 1999 Kargil conflict, is essential for maintaining connectivity between these two northern regions. The Sonamarg tunnel is also a key component of the larger Zojila project, which aims to provide all-weather connectivity from Sonamarg to Dras in the Kargil district. Once the Zojila tunnel is completed in 2028, it will connect Baltal in Ganderbal to Minimarg in Dras, further enhancing access across the Zojila Pass, which currently remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
Engineering feat
Constructed at an altitude of 8,562 feet above sea level, the Sonamarg tunnel was executed by APCO Infratech Private Ltd under the guidance of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). The project leveraged advanced engineering techniques to address the region’s challenging terrain and weather conditions, ensuring a robust and reliable infrastructure solution.
The tunnel is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including ventilation, fire control systems, and real-time monitoring, making it a benchmark in modern tunnel construction.
Long-term benefits
The Sonamarg tunnel’s impact will be felt across multiple sectors. For local communities, it ensures uninterrupted access to essential services, markets, and employment opportunities. For tourists, it opens up Sonamarg’s pristine beauty year-round, creating a more reliable and attractive destination.
Furthermore, the tunnel strengthens India’s strategic readiness by ensuring seamless connectivity to Ladakh. As part of the Zojila project, it aligns with the government’s vision of enhancing infrastructure in border regions while supporting broader socio-economic goals.
By linking Sonamarg with the rest of the country throughout the year, the tunnel is expected to drive economic growth, boost tourism revenue, and improve living standards for residents.
