National Conference leader Imran Nabi Dar on Tuesday welcomed the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel, hoping it would boost connectivity and tourism in the region and called for developing Sonamarg for snow activities.
“The project that was long awaited by the people has finally been completed… We hope that other projects that need speedy progress and those we have filed a demand for in the Union Ministry are completed for good connectivity… We want Sonamarg to be developed for snow activities so that the tourism pressure on Gulmarg is reduced…,” said Dar to ANI.
He also emphasised the need to restore J-K’s statehood, as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Replying to J-K CM Omar Abdullah’s statement on PM Modi, he said, “Statehood is a demand of the people, not any party and should be restored as soon as possible as promised by the Prime Minister during elections because there is nothing that could halt this decision…”
Abdullah on Monday said that he is hopeful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon fulfil his promise of re-granting statehood to J-K.
CM Abdullah said that when PM Modi came to Jammu and Kashmir after becoming PM for the third time, he had promised three things, including the restoration of ‘statehood’, conducting free and fair elections and bridging the distance between Delhi and hearts of people of J-K, out of which he had fulfilled two.
Meanwhile, JDU State President GM Shaheen also conveyed his appreciation for the Sonmarg Tunnel’s opening and stated, “This is a historic decision and the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India are worthy of respect… This is a huge gift for the country and Jammu and Kashmir… I appreciate the words of J-K CM Omar Abdullah.”
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Jammu and Kashmir are becoming a hub of tunnels, bridges and ropeways, adding that the world’s highest tunnel, railroad bridge and rail lines are being built here.
The Prime Minister said that the world is in awe after witnessing the marvellous engineering of the Chenab Bridge.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Sonamarg Tunnel, PM Modi said, “Our Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, bridges and ropeways. The highest tunnel in the world is being built here. The 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.”
PM Modi said that there’s a time for everything, and all things will happen in their designated time. As PM Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg Tunnel today, he said that he had come here as ‘sevak.’.
The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore.
It comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km in length, an egress tunnel and approach roads. Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.
The newly inaugurated Sonamarg tunnel will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods. (ANI)
