PM Modi Inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel
Associated News Bureau
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir on Monday. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he thanked the labourers who have worked hard and also put their lives at stake for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and India.
Modi remarked “Despite the challenges, our resolve did not waver”.
He lauded the labourers for their resolve and commitment and for tackling all the obstacles to complete the work. He also condoled the demise of 7 labourers.
Hailing the beautiful snow-covered mountains and the delightful weather, 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.
The Prime Minister reminisced about his earlier days when he frequently visited the region while working for his party. He mentioned spending considerable time in areas like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Ganderbal, and Baramulla, often walking for hours and covering several kilometers.
He added that despite the heavy snowfall, the warmth of the people of Jammu and Kashmir made the cold unnoticeable, according to the Associated News Bureau.
Acknowledging that today was a special day, the Prime Minister remarked that there was a festive atmosphere across the country. He remarked on the commencement of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, where millions are gathering for the holy bath.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the 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. The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenging 40-day period of Chillaikalan in the valley and praised the resilience of the people.
He highlighted that this season brings new opportunities for tourist destinations like Sonamarg, attracting visitors from across the country who enjoy the hospitality of the people of Kashmir.
The Prime Minister announced a significant gift for the people, highlighting the recent foundation stone laying of the Jammu Rail Division.
He remarked that this was a long-standing demand of the people. Announcing the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel and fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Modi highlighted that this tunnel will significantly ease the lives of people in Sonamarg, Kargil, and Leh.
The Prime Minister remarked that the tunnel will reduce the difficulties faced during avalanches, heavy snowfall and landslides, which often led to road closures. He emphasized that the tunnel will improve access to major hospitals and ensure the availability of essential supplies, thereby reducing the challenges faced by the residents.
The Prime Minister noted that the actual construction of the Sonamarg Tunnel began in 2015 after their Government came into power.
He was pleased that the tunnel’s construction was completed under their administration. He remarked that the tunnel will maintain connectivity to Sonamarg during the winter season and boost tourism in the entire region.
He emphasized 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.
He highlighted the development of new roads, railways, hospitals, and colleges as part of the new J&K. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to everyone for the tunnel and the new era of development.
Acknowledging that it was truly the new era of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi mentioned the recent international cricket league held in the region after forty years and car racing scenes around the beautiful Dal Lake.
He said that Gulmarg was becoming the winter games capital of India, having hosted four Khelo India Winter Games, with the fifth edition starting next month.
Over the past two years, the Prime Minister noted that 2,500 athletes from across the country have participated in various sports tournaments in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the establishment of over 90 Khelo India Centers in the region, providing training to 4,500 local youth.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Union Ministers of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Ajay Tamta were present among other dignitaries at the event. (ANB)
