Kashmir regaining its heaven on earth identity: PM Modi

Mangalore Today News Network

Jammu and Kashmir, January 13, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the 6.5 km long Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir that will make the Sonamarg tourist resort accessible throughout the year.

Addressing a rally post the inauguration of the tunnel, the Prime Minister today paid tributes to seven people who were killed in a terror attack near the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg in October last year. He also said that Kashmir was regaining its ‘Dharti Ka Swarg’ identity.

“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.

The Prime Minister also spoke of the commencement of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and the celebration of Lohri and Makar Sankranti across the country.

“This day is very special. Today, every corner of the country is in a celebratory mood. The Maha Kumbh Mela has begun today in Prayagraj and millions of devotees are reaching there for a holy bath. Today, Punjab and the entire North India is filled with the joy of Lohri. This day is celebrated as Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and various other festivals. I extend my good wishes to all who are celebrating these festivals," the Prime Minister 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."

This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir post the assembly elections in the Union Territory.

Soon after inaugurating the Rs 2,700 crore project, the Prime Minister toured the tunnel and interacted with the project officials. He also met the construction workers who worked meticulously amid harsh conditions to complete the tunnel.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were also present at the inauguration.

The Z-Morh tunnel

The two-lane bi-directional road tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district in central Kashmir has been built at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore.

It is equipped with a parallel 7.5-metre-wide escape passage for emergencies.

Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, the tunnel will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes.