Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, indirectly addressing demands for the restoration of statehood voiced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Speaking at a public gathering after inaugurating the strategically important 6.4-km Sonamarg Tunnel, built at a cost of ₹2,700 crore, Modi said, “You have to believe that this is Modi, and he keeps his promises. The right things will happen at the right time.”
Abdullah, in his address earlier, emphasized the restoration of J&K’s statehood, recalling Modi’s promise before the assembly elections last September. “My heart believes that you will fulfil this promise soon,” he said.
Abdullah also referenced Modi’s remarks from International Yoga Day last year, where the Prime Minister spoke about reducing both the “distance between hearts” and the “distance from Delhi” with the people of J&K. “With projects like this tunnel, not only the physical distance but also the emotional gap is being bridged,” Abdullah added.
Modi responded by describing J&K as the “crown of the country” and expressing his vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and beautiful Kashmir. “Today, Kashmir is writing a new saga of development, and the atmosphere of peace is boosting tourism and growth in the region,” he said.
A Historic Infrastructure Achievement
The Sonamarg Tunnel, which provides all-weather connectivity to the picturesque town, was constructed to address the challenges posed by heavy snowfall that previously cut off the area for months. Modi lauded the construction workers who completed the project under harsh conditions, personally interacting with them and project officials during a visit inside the tunnel.
The tunnel is also a critical link in the broader plan to connect the Ladakh region with an all-weather road. The Zojila Tunnel, a ₹6,800 crore project slated for completion by 2028, will further enhance connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, providing uninterrupted access even during winter months.
Tributes and Progress
The Prime Minister paid homage to the seven people who lost their lives in a terror attack near the tunnel last October. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to link the Kashmir Valley by rail, noting the enthusiasm among residents for this transformative connectivity.
Dignitaries and Context
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined Modi for the inauguration, marking his first visit to the region since last year’s assembly elections. Abdullah acknowledged Modi’s commitment to infrastructure development, thanking him for inaugurating two significant projects in J&K within 15 days, including the virtual inauguration of the Jammu railway division.
The Sonamarg Tunnel is expected to boost tourism and local livelihoods by providing year-round access to the region. It also represents a critical step in addressing the avalanche-prone Z-Morh road in Gagangir, further solidifying the government’s focus on enhancing connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
