‘A Vision of Connectivity, Education, Progress’
Suhail Khan
Sonamarg, Jan 13: In his maiden visit to Kashmir following the formation of a local government, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on Monday praised the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their efforts and contributions toward a bright, successful, and developed future, referring to it as Naya Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering at Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, Prime Minister Modi stated, “I am Modi, and I keep the promises I make, and I fulfill them as well.”
He emphasized, “The government cannot achieve so many changes alone; credit goes to the people who have strengthened democracy for a bright and successful future for Kashmir.”
Modi defined Naya Kashmir by the achievements of the Bharatiya Janata Party government, highlighting improvements in road and railway connectivity, the establishment of better educational institutions, and efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people for a more developed and successful Kashmir.
Addressing a rally after the inauguration of the tunnel, the Prime Minister as per Kashmir Despatch correspondent, paid tribute to seven people who were killed in a terror attack near the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg in October of last year. He also stated that Kashmir was regaining its identity as ‘Dharti Ka Swarg’ (heaven on Earth).
“First of all, I would like to thank all the brothers who worked in the most difficult circumstances, risking their lives, for the progress of the country and Jammu and Kashmir,. Also, seven of our labour colleagues lost their lives, but the others completed this task by overcoming all challenges. Today, I would like to remember those seven colleagues we have lost,” the Prime Minister said.
“Leaving behind the difficult days, our Kashmir is once again regaining its identity as the ‘Dharti Ka Swarg’ (heaven on Earth). Today, people are going to Lal Chowk in the evening to have ice cream. Even at night, there is a vibrant atmosphere. The artists in Kashmir have transformed the Polo View Market into a new habitat centre. I see on social media how the musicians, artists, and singers here constantly perform there,” he said.
“The Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah) also participated in a marathon and its video also went viral. I had especially congratulated him when I met him in Delhi. This is a new era of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
“Today, from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, you are seeing how many roads, tunnels and bridges are being built. Our Jammu and Kashmir is now becoming a hub of tunnels and high-rise buildings. The world’s tallest tunnel, the world’s tallest railroad bridge, and the world’s tallest railways are being built here.”
“Work is going on projects worth more than Rs 42,000 crores. In the year 2024, more than two crore tourists had visited Jammu and Kashmir,” the PM said.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi also recalled the days when he used to work in Jammu and Kashmir as a worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“Two days ago, our Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted some pictures of this place on social media. After seeing those pictures, my eagerness to come here among you increased. As the Chief Minister just told you, I have had a long association with all of you and whenever I come here, I remember the days when I used to work as a worker of the BJP,” he said.
I have spent a lot of time in this area. Be it Sonamarg, Gulmarg or Baramulla, we used to travel several kilometres on foot for hours and the snowfall used to be very heavy even then. However, the warmth of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is such that we did not feel the cold,” he added.
Speaking about the developments in the Union Territory, the Prime Minister said, “Kashmir Valley will soon be connected by train and there is enthusiasm among people about it.”
“You can be sure, this is Modi. If he makes a promise, he keeps it. There is a time for every work and the right work is going to be done at the right time,” the Prime Minister said, as he spoke about the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel.
“The Sonamarg tunnel will make the lives of the people of Sonamarg as well as Kargil and Leh much easier. The construction of the Sonamarg tunnel started in 2015 when our government came to power and I am happy that the work of this tunnel has been completed by our government only.”
“Kashmir’s railway connectivity is set to be enhanced with cable bridge. Currently, over Rs 42,000 crore worth of road connectivity projects are underway in Jammu and Kashmir. Work is progressing rapidly on four national highway projects, including the ring road. More than fourteen tunnels, including the Sonmarg tunnel, are under construction. These projects will make Jammu and Kashmir one of the most connected regions in the country,” he said.
“My mantra is always that whatever we start, we will also inaugurate it. This tunnel will give new wings to tourism in this entire area, including Sonamarg,” PM Modi said, adding, “In the coming days, many projects of road and rail connectivity are going to be completed in Jammu and Kashmir. Hospitals and colleges are being built. This is the new Jammu and Kashmir.”
Underlining the significant contribution of the tourism sector to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, the Prime Minister remarked that improved connectivity will allow tourists to reach previously untouched and unexplored areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the peace and progress achieved in the region over the past decade, which has already benefited 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”, hs added. He emphasized that this growth has benefited local businesses, including hotels, homestays, dhabas, clothing shops, and taxi services.
PM Modi said that “Jammu and Kashmir of the 21st century is scripting a new chapter of development”. He remarked that the region is regaining its identity as “Paradise on Earth,” leaving behind the difficult days of the past.
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. 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.
Touching upon the new opportunities emerging for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister remarked 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 emphasized the role of local artisans and craftsmen, supported by the PM Vishwakarma scheme and other initiatives by the Jammu and Kashmir government. The Prime Minister 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. The Prime Minister also lauded the improved performance of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, with its business growing from ₹1.6 lakh crore to ₹2.3 lakh crore in the past four years. He remarked that the bank’s increased capacity to provide loans benefits the youth, farmers, orchardists, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs in the region.
