‘PM wiped out terrorism, turned J&K into heaven’
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that the new project would prove to be a game-changer in the region.
In his inaugural address at Sonamarg, Sinha said: “This tunnel will enable 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 and trade in the region.”
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The LG said that with the opening of the tunnel, a new chapter has begun in the history of J&K. “I am grateful to PM Modi for fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the people of UT and creating an environment which is enabling common man to flourish and live a dignified life,” he said.
Sinha said that the PM has taken J&K on a path of progress and prosperity from agony. “From darkness he (PM) 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 Government led by PM Modi has wiped out terrorism from J&K and has turned it into a real paradise. Peace, progress and prosperity have become the hallmarks of his regime,” he added.
He said that under the leadership of Modi, J&K has achieved new heights of development and prosperity.
“The Sonamarg Tunnel is a testament to the Government’s commitment to rapid and inclusive development of J&K,” he added. Click here to watch video
“Around 144 road and bridge projects have been started under NABARD. We have succeeded in connecting more than 99% of the villages of J&K with roads under PMGSY and connectivity will be established soon to the remaining nine villages and they will be connected to the mainstream of socio-economic development,” he added.
The LG said that the dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari through railway network will soon become a reality. “The opening of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link will usher in a new era of socio-economic development and national integration.”
Sinha said that peace and stability have transformed the tourism sector. “The number of foreign tourists has increased by 300 %. J&K has recorded 2.35 crore tourist visits in 2024, while 2.11 lakh tourists visited Jammu Kashmir in 2023.”
“Under the leadership of the PM, we are witnessing an unprecedented road and tunnel infrastructure development,” he said.
“Around Rs 1.5 lakh crores worth Road and Highways projects are underway in J&K. Work is going on at a fast pace on the Delhi- Amritsar- Katra Expressway. Baramulla-Kupwara-Trehgam National Highway, Baramulla-Uri Highway, Pattan Bypass, Baramulla Bypass and many other projects are aimed at strengthening the road connectivity in the UT.”
“The construction work of 8 tunnel projects is going on at a rapid pace and is likely to be completed by December 2025. Work on Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnel and Singhpora-Vailu Tunnel is being started.
“I pay my homage to workers of the Sonamarg tunnel project martyred in the attack,” he said.
“Today, we have also taken a big leap from a strategic point of view and have provided a strong infrastructure support to facilitate the movement of our armed forces. 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,” Sinha said.
“The unprecedented expansion of infrastructure, new industrial revolution, large network of highways, strengthening of democracy at the grassroots level, new revolution in agriculture and horticulture sector, rejuvenation of socio-economic sectors and upliftment of deprived sections have laid a strong foundation for a developed, self-reliant J&K,” he added.
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