During PM Modi’s visit to Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha delivered a heartfelt address at Bakshi Stadium, expressing profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering commitment to the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir. Sinha praised PM Modi’s recent initiatives, which include inaugurating the ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ and launching the ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’ project. Additionally, Sinha commended PM Modi’s personal involvement in blessing newly appointed government recruits by distributing appointment orders.
Sinha highlighted PM Modi’s consistent prioritization of rapid and inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir since 2014, emphasizing the restoration of rights and the ushering in of a new era of peace, prosperity, and hope. Under PM Modi’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a shining beacon of progress, with development initiatives reaching all sections of society. Sinha noted PM Modi’s focus on ensuring that the fruits of development are equitably distributed, providing opportunities for growth, justice, and dignity to all citizens.
The Lieutenant Governor praised PM Modi’s efforts in building a Khushaal (prosperous) Jammu and Kashmir, revitalizing infrastructure development, and aligning the region’s aspirations with those of the nation. He underscored PM Modi’s commitment to empowering women, placing Nari Shakti at the forefront of the region’s development journey, restoring their rights, and promoting financial independence through various entrepreneurial schemes, thereby granting them a life of dignity.
Sinha emphasized the ample opportunities provided to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, enabling them to realize their full potential and contribute to the region’s socio-economic development. He highlighted the collective dreams of J&K’s citizens taking flight, with endless opportunities on the horizon.
Addressing the overwhelming attendance at PM Modi’s program at Bakshi Stadium, Sinha apologized to those unable to find seating, attributing the remarkable turnout to the profound love and support the people of Kashmir harbor for PM Modi.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, there has been a remarkable dynamism in infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir. Sinha detailed various ongoing projects, including the Z-Morh tunnel, with a budget exceeding Rs 2378 crore, is set to be completed by June this year, promising improved connectivity.
He said that work is underway on the Zojila tunnel project, valued at Rs 4500 crore, which will provide year-round connectivity to Sonamarg.
Likewise, Phase-I of the Srinagar Ring Road, with an investment of Rs 2920 crore, is slated for completion in August, enhancing transportation within the region.
Additionally, Phase-II of the Srinagar Ring Road, estimated at Rs 961 crore, is projected to be finalized by June 2025. The construction of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway, with an investment of Rs 10,995 crore, is expected to conclude by November 2025, facilitating smoother travel and commerce, all aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering development in the region.
Other noteworthy projects include the construction of Qazigund-Shopian-Pulmama-Srinagar NH444 at a cost of Rs 849 crore, approval for Khanabal-Phalgam-Chandanwari NH501, and new highways like Poonch-Uri Road, Baramulla-Kupwara-Tangdhar NH701, he said.
Several flyovers, including those at Srinagar bypass, Sanatnagar, Bemina, and Nowgam, with a combined investment of Rs 132 crore, are also in progress.
In the Kashmir valley alone, infrastructure projects totaling Rs 26,300 crore are underway, including highways and tunnel projects.
Sinha also highlighted the significant progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), with 4926 km of roads constructed at a cost of Rs 3440 crore, connecting every village with a population of 500.
Furthermore, projects worth Rs 1000 crore under the Srinagar Smart City initiative and 428 projects funded by NABARD, totaling Rs 2531 crore, are ongoing.
Over the past four years, more than 36,000 transparent government job recruitments have been made, reaffirming the commitment to fairness and opportunity in employment, LG said.