“Jammu and Kashmir of the 21st century is scripting a new chapter of development,” said PM Modi during the speech on the occasion of the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir on Monday. He further remarked that the region is regaining its identity as “Paradise on Earth.”
The event was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha; Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah; Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari; Union Ministers of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Shri Ajay Tamta; among other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM Modi said that his eagerness to visit Jammu & Kashmir increased after seeing the recent pictures shared by the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir on social media.
He admired the labourers who have worked hard and also put their lives at stake for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and India. PM Modi remarked, “Despite the challenges, our resolve did not waver.” He lauded the labourers for their passion and commitment and for overcoming all the obstacles to complete the work.
He also condoled the demise of 7 labourers. Acknowledging that Monday was a special day, the prime minister remarked that there was a festive atmosphere across the country.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenging 40-day period of Chillaikalan in the valley and praised the resilience of the people. PM Modi also declared the recent foundation stone laying of the Jammu Rail Division.
PM Modi highlighted that this tunnel will significantly ease the lives of people in Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh. The Prime Minister pointed out that the tunnel will reduce the difficulties faced during avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides, which often led to road closures.
He said that the tunnel will maintain connectivity to Sonamarg during the winter season and boost tourism in the entire region. He noted that numerous road and rail connectivity projects are set to be completed in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days.
The Prime Minister mentioned another major connectivity project underway nearby and noted the excitement surrounding the upcoming rail connection to the Kashmir Valley.
PM Modi remarked that Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, high bridges, and ropeways, with some of the world’s highest tunnels and highest railroad bridges being constructed here.
The Prime Minister praised the engineering marvel of the Chenab Bridge, where a passenger train trial was recently completed and mentioned several other key projects.
He highlighted that over ₹42,000 crore worth of road connectivity projects are underway in Jammu and Kashmir, including four national highway projects and two ring roads. PM remarked that more than 14 tunnels like Sonamarg are being constructed, making Jammu and Kashmir one of the most connected regions in the country.
Underlining the significant contribution of the tourism sector to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, PM noted that improved connectivity will allow tourists to reach previously untouched and unexplored areas of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the peace and progress achieved in the region over the past decade, which has already benefitted the tourism sector.
“In 2024, more than 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, with Sonamarg seeing a sixfold increase in tourists over the past ten years,” noted PM Modi. He emphasised that this growth has benefitted local businesses, including hotels, homestays, dhabas, clothing shops, and taxi services.
Highlighting the bright future for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and emphasising the numerous opportunities in sports, the PM remarked about the first international marathon held in Srinagar a few months ago, which brought immense joy to those who witnessed it.
He also recalled the viral video of the Chief Minister participating in the marathon and their enthusiastic discussion about it during a meeting in Delhi.
Acknowledging that it was truly the new era of Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi mentioned the recent international cricket league held in the region after forty years and car racing scenes around the beautiful Dal Lake.
Highlighting the new opportunities emerging for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said that the construction of AIIMS in Jammu and Avantipora was progressing rapidly, reducing the need to travel to other parts of the country for medical treatment.
The Prime Minister noted that IIT, IIM, and Central University campuses in Jammu were providing excellent education. He emphasised the role of local artisans and craftsmen, supported by the PM Vishwakarma scheme and other initiatives by the Jammu and Kashmir government.
PM Modi also highlighted the continuous efforts to attract new industries to the region, with investments of around ₹13,000 crore, creating thousands of jobs for the youth.
Remarking on the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir’s past into a present of development, PM Modi said that the dream of a developed India will be realised when its crown, Kashmir, is adorned with the jewels of progress. He expressed his desire for Kashmir to become even more beautiful and prosperous.
Highlighting India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, emphasising that no region or family should be left behind, PM Modi remarked that the government is working with the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” and over the past 10 years, more than 4 crore poor families across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, have received permanent houses. He announced that an additional 3 crore new houses will be provided to the poor in the coming years.
On the commencement of the Mahakumbh in Prayag, there is a celebration of Lohri in Punjab and other parts of North India, as well as festivals like Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal. He extended his best wishes to everyone celebrating these festivals.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister assured the people that he will support them unflinchingly in all their endeavours and extended his heartfelt congratulations to every family in Jammu and Kashmir for the development projects.
The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It comprises the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km in length and approaches roads.
Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.
It will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.
