Tag Archives: Baramulla

The Sonmarg Tunnel will enhance connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K becoming hub of tunnels, bridges & ropeways, says PM while inaugurating Sonmarg Tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Jammu and Kashmir is 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 was speaking after inaugurating the newly constructed Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg located in Jammu and Kashmir.
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 its designated time. As PM Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg Tunnel today, he said that he has come here as ‘sevak‘.

“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 demand has been 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 said.

He 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.”

Highlighting that this weather is called ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ in the valley, the Prime Minister stated that this weather brings new opportunities for tourist destinations like Sonamarg, as tourists from all over the country are flocking here.

PM Modi said, “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 of this tunnel was actually started in 2015 only, when our party came into government. I am happy that this tunnel is completed in our government. This tunnel will bring various tourism opportunities in Sonamarg.”

“Now, Kashmir is being connected with railways. People are happy with the developmental works. Schools and colleges are being constructed. This is the new Jammu and Kashmir. The whole nation is engaged into making India a developed nation. It is possible when no part of the family is left in the race of development. For this, our government with a resolution of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is working,” he added.

The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over INR 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 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. (Source: ANI)

This is one of the big ticket infrastructure projects to offer last mile connectivity.

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link to commence in Jan 2025

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) began inspecting the Reasi-Banihal rail track, the final connecting segment of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, for commencing Vande Bharat operations.

The final inspection of the Reasi-Banihal track is scheduled for the first week of January 2025.

The Katra-Banihal section underwent its final trial run in June this year, with a train successfully running between Sangaldan and Reasi railway stations.

Once operational, the Vande Bharat train service will connect Delhi to Srinagar, reducing travel time to approximately 12 hours.

The 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link aims to connect Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country by a broad-gauge railway line.

The rail link project which tackles the demanding Himalayan terrain has been divided into four segments, namely, Udhampur-Katra, Katra-Banihal, Banihal-Qazigund, and Qazigund-Baramulla.

The first leg, covering a distance of 25 kilometres from Udhampur to Katra, was successfully completed and commissioned in July 2014.

India Assist expands travel assistance to Jammu & Kashmir

In a significant stride towards enhancing traveller experiences, India Assist, the real-time travel assistance services, has announced the service network expansion to Jammu and Kashmir.

Joining hands with key travel partners across prominent areas, this strategic move aims to provide seamless and reliable travel assistance to explorers, tourists, and customers, ensuring their journeys through the mesmerising valleys and mountains of Kashmir are truly memorable.

India Assist, which already has widespread network in over 140 cities, is further strengthening the same with the expansion in Jammu & Kashmir. The expansion has been initiated in several pivotal areas, including Srinagar, Anant Nag, Baramulla, Ganderball, Budgam, Kupwara, Kulgam, and Bandipora.

This marks India Assist’s dedication to extending its assistance services to those who seek to discover the captivating beauty and cultural richness of Kashmir. Moreover, the travel assistance provider has also appointed Nasir Shah, Managing Director of Culture & Nature Expeditions Tours & Travels Private Limited as India Assist’s General Sales Partner (GSP) for J&K.

“We are thrilled to bring India Assist’s travel assistance services to the enchanting land of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Harish Khatri, Founder and Managing Director of India Assist. “Our mission has always been to provide continued support to travellers, ensuring their journeys are not only smooth but also enriched with local insights and assistance whenever needed. With this expansion, we aim to create a seamless and immersive travel experience for those who choose to explore the breath-taking geographies of Kashmir.”

India Assist’s unique franchise model empowers travel partners to join hands and provide their clients with access to real-time support, local expertise, and personalised assistance. This partnership ensures that travellers can hover around with confidence, knowing that they have a reliable support system at their fingertips.