Ganderbal, Jan 18: Residents of Gagangeer have called for the opening of the alternate link road through the newly inaugurated Sonamarg Tunnel, connecting the Forest Check Post to the main tunnel, to benefit the local population and revive the area’s dwindling business activities.
The Sonamarg Tunnel, inaugurated last week by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has facilitated smooth vehicular movement directly to Sonamarg. However, this has left Gagangeer, a once-thriving hub for tourists, wearing a deserted look.
Ishfaq Ahmad, a resident, lamented that before the tunnel’s opening, tourists traveled through Gagangeer to reach Sonamarg, often stopping at local hotels and shops. “Our local businesses flourished as tourists stayed here and enjoyed their trips. Now, with the tunnel bypassing our area, all our business activities have come to a standstill,” he said.
Locals noted that a link road from the Forest Check Post near Gagangeer to the main Sonamarg Tunnel exists. They believe opening this route to local traffic could bring back tourists and revive economic activities in the area.
Resident expressed happiness about the opening of the Sonamarg Tunnel, stating, “We are glad that the tunnel is now operational. In the future, we won’t face any inconvenience reaching Sonamarg. However, we request that the alternate link road be opened for locals as well, so that business activities in Gagangeer can revive.”
They further said, “This tunnel is a significant benefit for everyone associated with the tourism sector, including hoteliers, stakeholders, and traders in Sonamarg. We are grateful to the Government of India for inaugurating this vital project.”
“We request the authorities to allow local transport on this route. This will reduce our travel time and also attract tourists to Gagangeer, which is a picturesque location offering its own unique charm,” another local said.
LA Kangan, Mian Mehr Ali, said that he has already raised the issue with the General Manager of NHIDCL, the agency managing the tunnel. “We are hopeful that the link road from Gagangeer Check Post to the main tunnel will be opened soon to address the concerns of locals and boost the area’s economy,” he said.
