Srinagar, Jan13 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the Sonamarg tunnel is the “Bhagya Rekha” or lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir enabling year-round connectivity to the picturesque Sonamarg.

Addressing a gathering at Sonamarg after Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the strategic Z-Morh or Sonamarg tunnel in the central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, the Lt Governor said “Opening of Sonamarg Tunnel. a new chapter has begun in the history of Jammu and Kashmir”

“I’m grateful to Shri Narendra Modi Ji for fulfilling the dreams & aspirations of the people of UT and creating an environment which is enabling the common man to flourish & live a dignified life”, Lt Governor said.

He said the Sonamarg tunnel is the “Bhagya Rekha” (lifeline) for J&K, enabling year-round connectivity to the picturesque Sonamarg.

“It will be a Game-Changer for the local economy, winter tourism and also create new avenues of livelihood & trade in the region”, he added.

“Hon’ble PM has taken the J&K on a path of progress & prosperity from agonies. From darkness he has brought light of hope in the lives of people. J&K has been mentioned as heaven in books, he has made it a reality. Today instead of terrorism, tourism is being discussed”, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor said this ground-breaking project is a testament to the Government’s commitment to rapid and inclusive development of the UT of Jammu Kashmir. The opening of this tunnel will not only change the fortunes of the tourism sector in Sonamarg but will also change the social and economic condition of this area.

“I pay my homage to workers of the Sonamarg Tunnel project martyred in the Gagangir terror attack”, he said. Today, we have also taken a big leap from a strategic point of view and have provided strong infrastructure support to facilitate the movement of our Armed Forces, he added.

The Lt Governor said the under-construction Zojila tunnel, likely to be completed by 2026, will also ensure connectivity to Ladakh throughout the year and uninterrupted essential services to remote areas.

“The dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari through railway network will soon become a reality”, the Lt Governor said adding “the opening of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link will usher in a new era of socio-economic development and national integration”.

UNI