Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while inaugurating the much-anticipated Z-Morh tunnel at Sonamarg, described 2024 as a transformative year for Jammu Kashmir, particularly in terms of tourism and infrastructure development.
The region welcomed a record-breaking 2.35 crore tourists in 2024, surpassing the 2.11 crore visitors recorded in 2023.
Sinha highlighted an extraordinary 300% increase in foreign tourist arrivals over the past two and a half years.
Speaking at the event, the LG credited the government’s infrastructure initiatives, stating that connectivity has been central to the Prime Minister’s development agenda for the region.
In 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir three times, inaugurating and laying the foundation for projects worth ₹41,700 crore.
In comparison, 2022 saw the initiation of projects worth ₹20,000 crore during the PM’s visit to Samba.
“Currently, road and highway projects valued at ₹1.5 lakh crore are underway,” Sinha said, adding that tunnel projects like Zojila are progressing rapidly.
The Zojila tunnel is expected to be completed by 2026, with several other major tunnels set for completion by December 2025.
The LG also pointed out that 99% of villages with populations of 250 or more have been connected under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, with efforts ongoing to connect the remaining nine villages.
Additionally, NABARD has initiated 144 road and bridge projects to enhance regional connectivity.
Praising Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Sinha remarked that Jammu Kashmir has transitioned from being associated with conflict to being a flourishing tourism destination.
The 6.5-kilometer Z-Morh tunnel, constructed at a cost of ₹27,000 crore, is expected to significantly boost tourism and connectivity in Sonamarg and beyond.