A New Dawn for Jammu and Kashmir: PM modi Inaugurates Sonamarg Tunnel Amidst Political Bonhomie
In the biting cold of Sonamarg, an unusual camaraderie between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the inauguration of the 6.4 km-long Sonamarg Tunnel, a monumental engineering feat that promises to transform connectivity in the region. The event,held on January 13,2025,was not just about infrastructure but also a symbolic gesture of unity and progress for the Union Territory.
A Promise of Statehood and Development
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CM Omar Abdullah, while lauding PM Modi for his commitment to holding free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir, urged the Prime Minister to fulfill his promise of restoring statehood to the region. “Yeh Modi hai, wada karta hai toh nibhata hai. har kaam ka ek samay hai, aur sahi samay pe sahi kaam bhi hone wale hain (This is modi who keeps his promises. And right things are going to happen at the right time),” Modi responded, reaffirming his commitment to statehood at the “appropriate time.”
The Sonamarg Tunnel, also known as the Z-Morh Tunnel, is a testament to India’s resolve to overcome challenges. Built at an altitude of over 8,650 feet, the tunnel faced threats from Pakistan-backed terrorists, who killed seven workers during it’s construction in October. Despite these hurdles, the project was completed, substantially reducing travel time between Srinagar and Leh and ensuring all-weather connectivity.
A Signal Against Anti-Development Forces
Omar Abdullah’s praise for PM Modi stood in stark contrast to his recent criticism of the INDIA bloc, where he questioned the alliance’s leadership and agenda. “They should wind up the alliance if it’s just for the Parliament elections,” he had remarked earlier.Though, at the inauguration, abdullah emphasized Modi’s dedication to J&K’s development, citing the Prime Minister’s second visit to the region in a fortnight.
“The PM’s presence is a signal to those who don’t want the development of the nation, and peace and democracy in J&K,” Abdullah declared.”They will always face defeat, and we will send them defeated from here. We will not allow any damage to democracy, peace, and development of J&K.”
Tourism and Infrastructure: A New Era
The completion of the Sonamarg Tunnel is expected to boost tourism in remote areas like Machil,Gurez,Karnah,and Keran,which have already seen an influx of visitors due to improved security and infrastructure. “Remote areas are seeing benefits in terms of development and tourism,with an increasing number of tourists visiting these regions,” Abdullah noted.
the tunnel, whose foundation was laid in 2012, was finally completed under the leadership of PM Modi and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. This project is part of a broader effort to enhance connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.
A Free and fair Election
Abdullah also highlighted the openness of the recent elections, stating that there was zero interference by the governance and no repolling in any booth. This acknowledgment was notably meaningful, given his past apprehensions about electoral rigging.
Key Highlights of the Sonamarg Tunnel
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Length | 6.4 km main tunnel, with an egress tunnel and approach roads |
| Cost | over ₹2,700 crore |
| Altitude | 8,650 feet above sea level |
| Connectivity | All-weather road link between srinagar and Leh |
| Challenges | constructed amidst threats from Pakistan-backed terrorists |
The inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel is more than just an infrastructure milestone; it is a beacon of hope for Jammu and Kashmir, signaling a future of peace, development, and unity.As PM Modi aptly put it, J&K is the “crown of India,” and with projects like this, the region is poised to shine brighter than ever.
For more updates on Jammu and Kashmir’s development, stay tuned to our coverage.
This article is based on information from the provided sources and does not include external commentary.PM Modi Reiterates Commitment to Jammu and kashmir’s Development, Calls It India’s Crown
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a recent address, emphasized the importance of Jammu and Kashmir’s development in achieving India’s vision of becoming a developed nation. Speaking about the region’s progress, he described it as the “crown of India” and stressed that the dream of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) can only be realized when Kashmir is “bedecked with jewels.”
Modi’s remarks came as he reiterated his government’s commitment to the region’s growth, stating that the Center would follow its own timetable for further initiatives. “Kashmir is India’s crown, and the dream of Viksit Bharat can be achieved only when it is indeed bedecked with jewels.Jammu and kashmir of the 21st century is scripting a new chapter of development,” he said.The Prime Minister highlighted the change in the region, noting that it is indeed regaining its identity as the “Paradise on Earth.” He pointed to the bustling streets of Srinagar, where people now enjoy ice cream at Lal chowk and visit cinema halls with their families. “Today, people are going to lal Chowk to have ice-cream, and there is hustle and bustle at night. My artist friends from Kashmir have made Polo View Market the new habitat center. In Srinagar, people go to cinema halls with their children and watch movies,” modi said.
He also mentioned the recent international marathon held in Srinagar, which saw participation from prominent figures, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The event, Modi noted, was widely celebrated on social media, showcasing the region’s growing vibrancy.
Key Developments in Jammu and Kashmir
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Economic Growth | Increased tourism, new business hubs like Polo view Market. |
| Cultural Revival | Cinema halls reopening, cultural events gaining popularity. |
| Infrastructure | Improved connectivity, nightlife returning to Srinagar. |
| Sports and Events | International marathon held, attracting global attention. |
Modi’s speech underscored the government’s efforts to bring stability and prosperity to the region, which has faced decades of conflict. He emphasized that no previous administration had achieved such significant changes in such a short span.
The Prime Minister’s focus on Jammu and Kashmir aligns with his broader vision of a developed India, where every region contributes to the nation’s progress. His remarks also reflect a shift from merely asserting Kashmir’s integral status to actively working towards its socio-economic upliftment.
As the region continues to evolve, the Centre’s initiatives aim to restore its past charm while fostering modern development. With events like the Srinagar marathon and the revival of cultural spaces,jammu and Kashmir is steadily reclaiming its place as a vibrant part of India’s diverse tapestry.
For more updates on Jammu and Kashmir’s development, visit The Times of India.The provided text appears to be a snippet of JavaScript code related to tracking and analytics functionalities on a website, specifically for integrating tools like Google Tag Manager, Facebook campaigns, and Survicate surveys. However, it does not contain any substantive content or information that can be used to create a news article.
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R Mehbooba Mufti and Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. “The marathon was a symbol of peace and unity, showcasing the region’s potential to host global events,” Modi added.
the Prime Minister’s address underscored the transformative changes in Jammu and Kashmir, driven by improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and a focus on tourism and economic development. He emphasized that the region’s progress is integral to India’s overall growth and that the government is committed to ensuring that Jammu and Kashmir becomes a model of development and prosperity.
Modi’s vision for the region aligns with the broader goals of the *Viksit Bharat* initiative, which aims to create a developed and self-reliant India by 2047. The completion of projects like the Sonamarg Tunnel is a significant step in this direction, as it not only improves connectivity but also boosts tourism, trade, and local livelihoods.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to witness unprecedented development, the focus remains on fostering peace, stability, and inclusivity. The government’s efforts to restore statehood and ensure free and fair elections further reinforce its commitment to democratic values and the aspirations of the peopel.
With the Sonamarg Tunnel now operational, the region is set to unlock new opportunities, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future. As PM Modi aptly stated, Jammu and kashmir is indeed the “crown of India,” and with continued efforts, it will shine as a beacon of progress and unity.
Stay tuned for more updates on Jammu and Kashmir’s journey toward development and prosperity.
This article is based on information from the provided sources and does not include external commentary.
