Sonamarg transforms into year-round tourist destination
The Z-Morh Tunnel has been stimulating tourism in the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district, ensuring year-round connectivity and boosting local livelihoods.
The tunnel constructed at a cost of Rs 2,717 crore, spanning a length of 11.98 km in Sonamarg has transformed connectivity and bolstered economic activity in the region.
The Z-Morh Tunnel has transformed Sonamarg into a year-round tourist destination, bringing economic opportunities to locals.
With increased tourist inflow from Srinagar and Ganderbal, Sonamarg now remains accessible even in winter, boosting employment and business prospects in the region.
A vendor stated that the tunnel has enabled them to earn throughout the year, unlike earlier when they remained idle for six months. “We can earn all over the year because of the tunnel. Earlier, we used to sit at home for six months. Now, everyone is getting employment opportunities. People are coming from Srinagar and Ganderbal,” he said.
“The tourism department used to remove the board of Sonamarg in November but now this isn’t the case as Sonamarg is accessible all over the year. We welcome all the tourists and we are ready to host them,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel Project in Sonamarg on January 13 in the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, J&K LG Manoj Sinha, and former CM Omar Abdullah.
Along with the Zojila Tunnel, set for completion by 2028, it will reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and boost vehicle speed from 30 km per hr to 70 km per hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh.
This enhanced connectivity will boost defence logistics and drives economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
