Credit Goes to You...:Omar Abdullah Praises PM Modi For Fulfilling Poll Promise

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fullfilling his promise to hold elections in the valley

While addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel, he said, "Elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir and the biggest thing was that there was no complaint of any irregularities anywhere, no complaint of misuse of power. The credit for this goes to you (PM Modi), your colleagues and the Election Commission of India. Today, on this occasion, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming here in this cold... You have a very old relationship with Jammu and Kashmir, we hope that you come here again and again, stay among us and join our happiness," he said.

CM Abdullah also appealed to the Prime Minister for the restoration of statehood. "My heart says that very soon you (PM Modi) will fulfill your promise of restoring statehood," the Chief Minister added. 

Kashmir is India's Crown: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he will keep the promises he made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and right things will happen at the right time.

His remarks shortly came after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sought restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir during his speech at the event. "You have to believe that this is Modi and he keeps his promises. There is a right time for everything and right things will happen at the right time," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister further said that Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of the country and he wants it to be beautiful and prosperous.

"There is an atmosphere of peace in Jammu and Kashmir and we have seen its effect on tourism. Kashmir is writing a new saga of development today," he said.

All-Weather Access to Sonamarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the strategically important Z-Morh tunnel in the Sonamarg area of Jammu and Kashmir which will make the tourist resort accessible round the year.

After inaugurating the Rs 2,700 crore project, the prime minister went inside the tunnel and interacted with the project officials. He also met the construction workers who worked meticulously amid harsh conditions to complete the tunnel.

The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It comprises of the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km in length, an egress tunnel and approach roads. Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.

The newly made Sonamarg tunnel will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods. Along with the Zojila Tunnel, set for completion by 2028, it will reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and boost vehicle speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh. This enhanced connectivity will boost defence logistics, and drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.