Zojila will transform lives: CM Omar
Minimarg (Ladakh)| June, 09: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday hailed the breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel as a historic milestone that would transform connectivity, boost economic growth and improve the lives of people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Joining Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at the breakthrough ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor described the occasion as a historic day for the two Union Territories and said the project would usher in a new era of development and prosperity.
“Today is undoubtedly a historic day. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” Sinha said.
Calling the tunnel an engineering marvel, the Lieutenant Governor said Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel was scripting a new future of year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
“This engineering marvel will significantly reduce travel time, ensure safer travel and provide substantial fuel savings,” he said.
Sinha credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for making the project a reality and said the tunnel would have far-reaching economic and strategic benefits.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the relentless efforts of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the Zojila Tunnel will emerge as a lifeline for the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting tourism and providing vital strategic support to our Armed Forces,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said connectivity remained the foundation of development and economic progress. Referring to infrastructure expansion in recent years, he said unprecedented work had been carried out across the country, leading to major improvements in road, rail and air connectivity.
“Connectivity drives development and brings economic prosperity,” he said, expressing confidence that the ongoing infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh would boost trade, tourism and strengthen national security, particularly in border areas.
Sinha also expressed hope that the project would be completed at the earliest and dedicated to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Highlighting another dimension of the tunnel’s importance, the Lieutenant Governor said the project would also provide immense convenience to devotees visiting the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
As Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, he congratulated all stakeholders associated with the project and described the breakthrough as a significant achievement for the region.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid tribute to the engineers, technical experts and workers who made the breakthrough possible.
“I express my deepest appreciation and commendation to all the engineers, personnel and workforce who have worked day and night under extremely challenging weather conditions at such a high altitude,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also described the breakthrough as a transformative moment and emphasized its potential impact on the lives of ordinary people.
Addressing the gathering, Omar said the tunnel would bring lasting benefits to residents by improving access to essential services and opportunities.
He said the project would ease access to education, healthcare and markets while giving a major boost to tourism and trade across the region.
The Chief Minister noted that the full impact of the project might not be immediately visible but would become evident over time as improved connectivity changed the economic and social landscape of the region.
Describing the tunnel as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration, Omar said the people of the region had waited for years to see such a project take shape.
He stressed the need for completing the remaining works at the earliest so that the benefits of the tunnel could reach the people without delay.
While welcoming the breakthrough, Omar also highlighted the need for enhanced air connectivity to Kargil. He said efforts had been made in this regard but more support was required to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
Referring to air connectivity as an unfinished aspiration, the Chief Minister urged the Union Government to support regular flight operations for Kargil and expressed hope that the demand would soon become a reality.
Congratulating the people of Drass, Kargil, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, Omar appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the execution of the project and termed the breakthrough a major step towards improving connectivity and development in the Himalayan region.
