Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and J-K LG Manoj Sinha were present at the inaugural ceremony

After the inauguration, PM Modi inspected the tunnel and took detailed information about its route map and construction work

The Prime Minister interacted with the officials and construction workers who have worked meticulously in the harshest conditions for the construction of this tunnel and acknowledged their contribution to this engineering feat

The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore

It comprises of 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 enroute 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

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/hr to 70 km/hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh

This enhanced connectivity will boost defence logistics, and drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh

Earlier on January 11, CM Abdullah visited Sonamarg to review the preparations for PM Modi's visit to the territory