PM Modi gives major fillip to infrastructural development of JK; unveils commencement of work on Zojila Tunnel
Leh, May 19: Giving a major fillip to the infrastructural development of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled a plaque to mark the commencement of work on the Zojila Tunnel while attending the Closing Ceremony of the Birth Centenary Celebration of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche in Leh. Notably, the 14 km long Zojila tunnel is India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel.
Firstly, PM Modi paid rich tributes to the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche and remembered his various contributions towards society. PM Modi called the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche as an outstanding diplomat. “During my Mongolia visit I witnessed the goodwill he has in that country,” he added.
Giving a brief information on his today’s visit, PM Modi said,” I am happy that today, I am visiting 3 regions of Jammu and Kashmir. After my visit to Leh, I will be going to Srinagar and thereafter to Jammu.” He also noted that Jammu and Kashmir is going to get development projects worth Rs. 25,000 crore. “These projects will have a positive impact on the people of the state,” he added.
The Prime Minister also stated that there is a great scope for agricultural growth across the state of Jammu and Kashmir. “This state can play a key role when it comes to helping further holistic healthcare,” he concluded.
PM Modi, who is on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir will also inaugurate 330-MW Kishenganga hydel power project in Srinagar. He will also lay the Foundation Stone of the Srinagar Ring Road. The Ring Roads in Srinagar and Jammu are aimed at reducing traffic congestion at these cities and making road travel safer, faster, more convenient and more environment-friendly.
At the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu, the Prime Minister will lay the Foundation Stone of the Pakul Dul Power Project, and the Jammu Ring Road. He will also inaugurate the Tarakote Marg and Material Ropeway of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The Tarakote Marg will facilitate pilgrims visiting the shrine. The Prime Minister will also attend the Convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Jammu.
Zojila tunnel
The 14 km long Zojila tunnel will be India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Modi, had approved the construction, operation and maintenance of this tunnel between Baltal and Minamarg, on the Srinagar-Leh section of NH-1A, at a total cost of Rs 6800 crore earlier this year.
The construction of this tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh. It will cut down the time taken to cross the Zojila pass from the present three and a half hours to just fifteen minutes. It will lead to all-round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. It also has immense strategic importance.