Page 39 - NIS English 01-15 February, 2025

than 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2024. WINTER TOURISM, ADVENTURE SPORTS, AND
The increase in the number of tourists has benefited local LOCAL LIVELIHOOD WILL GET A BOOST
businesses, including hotels, homestays, dhabas, clothing The approximately 12 km long Sonamarg tunnel
stores, and taxi services. This is a new era for Jammu and project has been constructed at a cost of more
Kashmir. After 40 years, the region hosted international than Rs 2,700 crore. It includes a 6.4 km long
cricket leagues and car racing around the beautiful Dal Sonamarg main tunnel, an exit tunnel, and an
Lake. Gulmarg is becoming the winter sports capital approach road. It is located at an altitude of more
of India, having hosted four Khelo India Winter Games than 8,650 feet above sea level. This will promote
and is also hosting its fifth edition. In the last two years, winter tourism, adventure sports, and local
2,500 athletes from across the country have participated livelihood. When the Zojila tunnel is completed in
in various sports tournaments in Jammu and Kashmir. 2028, the national highway connecting with the
More than 90 Khelo India centers in the region are Sonamarg route will not only ensure connectivity
providing training to 4,500 local youth. PM Modi said that between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh but the
work is being done to make Kashmir even more beautiful distance will also be reduced from 49 km to 43
and prosperous, in which the youth, elderly, and children km. The speed of vehicles will increase from 30
of the region are getting steadfast support. The people km per hour to 70 km per hour. Better connectivity
of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to the progress will boost defense logistics, promote economic
of the region and the nation by working diligently to turn development and sociocultural integration in
their dreams into reality. Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. n

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