On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as a hub for tunnels, bridges, and ropeways, highlighting the construction of the world’s highest tunnel, railroad bridge, and rail lines in the region.
PM Modi made the remarks after inaugurating the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also praised the Chenab Bridge, highlighting that its remarkable engineering has amazed the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Sonamarg Tunnel, PM Modi stated, “Our Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, bridges and ropeways. The highest tunnel in the world is being built here. Highest railroad bridge in the world is being built here. The highest rail lines in the world are being built here. The world is in awe after seeing the engineering of the Chenab Bridge.”
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that there is a time for everything, and all things will happen at their designated moment.
PM Modi further noted that he had come to the region as a ‘sevak’ to serve the people.
“Today I came here as ‘sevak’ in between you. A few days ago I got the opportunity to lay the foundation stone of your own railway division in Jammu. This was your very old demand. Today I have got the opportunity to hand over the Sonamarg Tunnel to the country. One more long pending has fulfilled. This is Modi, ‘wada karta hai to nibhata hai’. There’s a time for everything, and all things will happen in due course. When I speak about Sonarmarg Tunnel, this will ease the life of people of Kargil and Leh. This tunnel will reduce the hardships of the people of J-K and Ladakh,” the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister also reflected on his earlier visits to Kashmir as a BJP worker, reminiscing about traveling on foot for hours through harsh conditions.
PM Modi said, “Two days ago, our CM has shared some pictures, after seeing those pictures, I was excited to come between you people. When I worked as BJP worker, I had to come frequently. I have spent a lot of time here, whether Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Baramulla or Ganderbal. we used to travel several kilometres on foot for hours and the snowfall used to be very heavy even then. But the warmth of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is such that we did not feel the cold. Today is a very special day, as every corner of state is in a festive mood. From today, Maha Kumbh has started in Prayagraj, crores of people have come for holy dip. The whole India is celebrating Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu. I wish for all success of all.”
Discussing the tourism potential of Sonamarg, the Prime Minister further mentioned that the harsh winter months, referred to as ‘Chilla-i-Kalan,’ are bringing new opportunities for tourism.
“This time of the year is of Chilla-i-Kalan here in the valley. This weather brings new opportunities for tourist destinations like Sonamarg. Tourists from all over the country are coming here. The work on this tunnel began in 2015 when our party came into government. I am pleased that we have completed this tunnel under our administration. This tunnel will bring various tourism opportunities in Sonamarg,” PM Modi further added.
The Sonamarg Tunnel, spanning 12 km and costing over Rs 2,700 crore, will improve all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh.
The tunnel, situated at an altitude of 8,650 feet, will bypass landslide-prone routes and ensure safer access to Ladakh.
Once completed, the Zojila Tunnel, expected in 2028, will reduce the travel distance from 49 km to 43 km, significantly improving vehicle speed and overall connectivity.
These projects aim to boost defense logistics, economic growth, and socio-cultural integration across the region.
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