‘PM eradicated terrorism, transformed J&K into a paradise’
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated today that the new initiative will be pivotal for the region.
During his inaugural remarks at Sonamarg, Sinha expressed: “This tunnel will ensure all-year access to the scenic Sonamarg. It will significantly boost the local economy, enhance winter tourism, and create fresh opportunities for jobs and commerce in the area.”
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The LG remarked that the tunnel’s inauguration marks a new chapter in J&K’s history. “I extend my gratitude to PM Modi for realizing the hopes and aspirations of the union territory’s residents and fostering an environment that enables the common citizen to thrive and maintain a dignified existence,” he stated.
Sinha noted that the PM has guided J&K towards progress and brightness from oblivion. “From the depths of despair, he (PM) has ushered in a ray of hope for the community. J&K has long been dubbed paradise in literature, and now it’s a tangible truth. Today, we discuss tourism instead of terrorism.”
“Under PM Modi’s leadership, terrorism has been eradicated from J&K, transforming it into an authentic paradise. Peace, growth, and prosperity are now the defining features of his governance,” he added.
He emphasized that, with Modi at the helm, J&K has reached new milestones in terms of development and prosperity.
“The Sonamarg Tunnel is a testament to the Government’s dedication to the swift and inclusive advancement of J&K,” he concluded. Watch the video here
“Approximately 144 road and bridge projects have commenced under NABARD. We have managed to connect over 99% of J&K’s villages with roads via PMGSY, and we expect to soon link the remaining nine villages, integrating them into the socio-economic framework,” he elaborated.
The LG expressed optimism about realizing the vision of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari through a railway network. “The inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line will herald a new phase of socio-economic growth and national cohesion.”
Sinha remarked that peace and stability have revitalized the tourism industry. “Foreign tourist numbers surged by 300%. In 2024, J&K welcomed 2.35 crore tourists, compared to 2.11 lakh in 2023.”
“Under PM’s guidance, we are witnessing unprecedented development in road and tunnel infrastructure,” he affirmed.
“Around ₹1.5 lakh crores worth of Road and Highways projects are currently in progress in J&K. Work is actively underway on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, as well as the Baramulla-Kupwara-Trehgam National Highway, the Baramulla-Uri Highway, the Pattan Bypass, the Baramulla Bypass, among other projects, all aimed at enhancing connectivity in the UT.”
“The construction of eight tunnel projects is advancing swiftly and is anticipated to finish by December 2025. We are also initiating work on the Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnel and Singhpora-Vailu Tunnel.
“I pay tribute to the Sonamarg tunnel project’s workers who lost their lives in the attack,” he noted.
“Today, we have also made significant headway from a strategic perspective by establishing robust infrastructure support for our armed forces. The forthcoming Zojila tunnel, expected to be completed by 2026, will ensure year-round access to Ladakh and uninterrupted essential services to remote communities,” Sinha stated.
“The remarkable expansion of infrastructure, a new industrial revolution, an extensive network of highways, enhanced grassroots democracy, transformative agricultural and horticultural advancements, revitalization of socio-economic sectors, and the upliftment of marginalized groups have laid a solid groundwork for a developed, self-sustaining J&K,” he concluded.
