Raja Syed Rather
Sonamarg, Jan 13: Calling Sonamarg tunnel inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Bhagya Rekha” (lifeline) for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the new project would prove to be a game-changer in the region.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the strategic tunnel here in central Kashmir, Lt Governor 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.”
He said that with the opening of Sonamarg 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,” LG Sinha said.
PM has taken J&K out of darkness
He said that the Prime Minister has taken t J&K on a path of progress & 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.”
He said, “Ek ek kar ke, aapke khwabon ko saakar karne ka kaam PM Modi ne kiya hai (One by one, PM Modi has turned your (people’s) dreams into reality).”
He said, “The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wiped out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir and has turned it into a real paradise. Peace, progress, and prosperity have become the hallmarks of his regime.”
LG Sinha said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir 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 Jammu Kashmir,” he added.
Pays homage to Gagangeer terror victims
Recalling the Gagangeer terror attack, LG Sinha said, “I pay my homage to workers of the Sonamarg Tunnel project martyred in the attack.”
“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,” he said, adding, “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.”
“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 Jammu Kashmir,” LG Sinha added.
Number of foreign tourists visiting J&K has increased by 300%
He 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 Prime Minister, we are witnessing an unprecedented road and tunnel infrastructure development,” the LG said.
He said, “Around Rs 1.5 lakh crores worth Road and Highways projects are underway in Jammu Kashmir. 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-Velu Tunnel is being started.
99% J&K villages provided road connectivity
Around 144 road and bridge projects have been started under NABARD. We have succeeded in connecting more than 99% of the villages of Jammu Kashmir with roads under PMGSY and connectivity will be established soon to the remaining 09 villages and they will be connected to the mainstream of socio-economic development,” he added.
LG Sinha 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.”
