SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday proposed that the Navyug Tunnel, connecting Qazigund with Banihal on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, should be rechristened as the “Dr. Manmohan Singh Tunnel” to honor the former Prime Minister’s immense contributions to Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters according to KNS correspondent, Abdullah highlighted the pivotal role played by Dr. Singh in the development of the region, particularly in improving connectivity. “The four-laning of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was initiated during Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure. Today, the distance between Jammu and Srinagar is covered in just five hours, a direct result of his vision and leadership,” he said.
Acknowledging the ongoing infrastructure projects, Abdullah stressed that the foundation for these developments was laid during Dr. Singh’s regime. “Let anyone take credit for the new tunnels on the highway, but we must remember that the process to develop the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway began with Dr. Singh,” he remarked.
Abdullah lauded Dr. Singh as a “true statesman” whose contributions to Jammu and Kashmir extended beyond infrastructure. He cited several initiatives taken during Dr. Singh’s tenure, including the Round Table Conference on Kashmir, the appointment of interlocutors, the start of cross-LoC trade, the introduction of special scholarship schemes for J&K students, and measures to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits.
“He never spoke about his achievements, but his actions transformed the region. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s dedication and efforts will always be remembered. He was truly a son of the soil,” Abdullah said.
The Navyug Tunnel, a key part of the upgraded highway, has played a critical role in reducing travel time and improving connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. Abdullah’s proposal to rechristen it as a tribute to Dr. Singh underscores the former Prime Minister’s enduring legacy in the region. (KNS)
